Max Youkers was happy when he finished the 100-meter dash during Fox Chapel’s dual meet with Shaler by breaking a school record that had stood since 1964 with a time of 11.08 seconds.
Youkers, a sophomore who set four school records during the indoor season, is hoping it is another step in his progression toward strong performances at high-pressure meets.
“Breaking the record provided some of the motivation,” Youkers said. “I just try to go for my best times.”
Youkers isn’t an athlete who Foxes coach Tom Moul often needs to take the temperature of. Oftentimes, Youkers is composed. Last season showed Youkers is capable of not breaking character.
An injury during the indoor season kept him out for the outdoor season.
“He’s got an easy-going personality,” Moul said. “He never worries about much. That’s what helps him compete at the highest level. He doesn’t get too upset or too uptight about things. I think when he was hurt last year, he thought he’’ll be back next year.”
Youkers initially joined the track team to follow in his brother Gavin’s footsteps. After starting as a distance runner in seventh grade, he switched to sprinting a year later.
“I work a lot on consistency and trying to do it right,” Youker said. “Each hundredth of a second I drop is motivation to keep going. There is a direct translation from the work I put into the slight PRs that you get.”
Fox Chapel’s record was initially set in 1964, but had been tied by four other athletes.
During the indoor season, Youckers claimed four other school records. He set the mark in the 60 and 200-meter dashes, as well as being a part of a few record-setting relay teams.
“He’s come along really well,” Moul said. “He loves the sport. He works hard and is a competitor. I was expecting him to set the record. He’s been flirting with the mark all season.”
Fox Chapel’s team, which swept Shaler last week, has seen a number of strong performances as it revs up for the Butler Invitational.
Tamer Dandashi, who also had a strong indoor season, was second behind Youkers in the 100 against the Titans. Asher Eckel, Harison Parker and Michael Costello have all found success in their events.
On the girls side, Fox Chapel built up a strong foundation in the 3,200 relay during the indoor season. The team of Claire Loiudice, Sydney Kimmons, Bridget Hemingray and Ella Shevchuk placed sixth during the state indoor championships.
Claire Conti, who won the WPIAL championship in the discus and placed third in the shot put last season, is off to a strong start. Moul said that Lyla Jablon, who is a team captain, is trying out a new event by competing in the hurdles.
Madison Cook is a hurdler who Moul said has also started strong.
“We are looking forward to the Butler Invite and the Pine-Richland one after that,” Moul said. “I’m optimistic about how things are going for both sides.”