Andy Close
Humble and unassuming by nature, Warren Area High School junior Katie Beyer didn’t necessarily want a big deal made out of her state swimming championship in the 200-meter freestyle.
When you become just the second individual state champion in school history in any sport, you’re going to be celebrated, as was the case Thursday at Warren Area High School.
An assembly at Warren Area High School officially made April 1 ‘Katie Beyer Day,” a proclamation made by City of Warren Mayor Maurice Cashman.
“I would like to thank the school district, all of my teachers, principals and Mr. (Jeff) White (Athletic Director) for all of the recognition and support,” Beyer said. “And thank you to others in the community that have congratulated me. I’m thankful for all of my teammates for always cheering me on and pushing me.”
Among those in attendance were members of the Warren Area High School swim team, the varsity club, as well as Cashman, Warren County School District Superintendent Amy Stewart, White and Beyer’s coaches, who just so happen to be her parents, Russ and Deanna Beyer.
“I had to do my part because I didn’t want to let her down in any way possible,” said Russ Beyer, who was referring to how vocal he was during his daughter’s victory (a video of which was played during the assembly). “Katie, we couldn’t be any happier, and prouder. Everything she does is for the big picture. The way she trains, the way she sleeps, she’s very regimented.”
Beyer joined Seth Meyers (1991 high jump champion) as the only Warren athlete to win a state individual title.
“My brother graduated with Seth, and I think a lot of people would describe him the same way as Katie,” Stewart said during the assembly. “He (Stewart’s brother) said that he’s (Meyers) probably one of the most humble people I’ve ever met. Just very positive and uplifting to those around him. Just a very intelligent, thoughtful and kind human being.”
That would certainly describe Beyer as well.
As far as her qualities in the pool are concerned, she goes all out all the time.
“It doesn’t even feel real,” Katie Beyer said just hours after winning the state title. “My strategy was to go out hard and once you’re ahead you have to stay ahead. That second 100 I just knew I had to keep going.”
Her coach and father concurred.
“There are some strategies of how you swim that race (200 freestyle),” Russ Beyer said. “A lot of people want more of a balanced swim. Katie’s mindset is going all out the whole way and she definitely proved that in the first 100.”
During Thursday’s assembly, Beyer was also presented with a framed photo from fellow junior Emma Ruhlman, who herself achieved great success in the winter season, helping lead the Warren Lady Dragons to the District 10 title, draining three free throws with no time left on the clock to beat Slippery Rock. 
White spoke fondly of Beyer, as well as the success of Dragon athletics as a whole this season through what can be described as challenging times with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have preserved, and in most cases, excelled,” White said, while pointing to the fall success of the soccer teams, cross country, football, golf, girls’ tennis, volleyball, and marching band and in winter with wrestling, boys’ and girls’ basketball, swimming and cheerleading.
The winter season may have started with a COVID-19 stop, but it ended with a bang for Dragon athletics.
“We improvised and worked hard and were able to get our seasons going with the great help of all our coaches and our trainer, Andrea Shene,” White said. “And it leads us to this kind of environment.”
