On Wednesday, April 27, 2022, Souderton seniors Dekai Averett & Katie Mellott were recognized for committing to compete in track & field at the collegiate level. To view photos of the event by Keith Clemens Photography, please click on the following link: https://solsports.zenfolio.com/p315589754
Dekai Averett – Kutztown University (Track & Field)
Major: Marketing Management
Final list of colleges: Kutztown, East Stroudsburg, Shippensburg
Reasons for choosing Kutztown: “I chose Kutztown because I really liked the coaching staff, and it was the smartest financial decision.”
Favorite high school sports memory: “My favorite memory was placing third at the district championship last year and making it to states.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in track and field at the collegiate level? “I began running track in middle school, and my older brother was a state medalist in the long jump, so he really influenced me to pursue track, and I just kept getting better. I like the individual aspect of the sport where I can make myself better and that makes my team better, so that’s why I want to continue to do it.”
Coach Mike Feliciani says: “I’ve known Dekai for a while, and I’m just so impressed with his dedication to the sport. He works year-round on the sport. Working year round gets a bad rap especially if you were going to burn out or whatever. He has the best mix of high intensity periods and times when he’s just working on technical things. Because he likes doing it, he’s willing to do it year-round without feeling like he’s done with it or burning out, so he’s constantly improving because he’s never really away from the sport for a period of time where a lot of kids in track and field – they’re on when the season’s on, and then the offseason they’re losing skill. I think that’s been his greatest asset - just willing to work year-round. He absolutely loves the sport, and I’ve had more fun talking track with him and just being a fan of the sport than I have coaching him per se. I think that’s what I’m going to miss the most. He stopped in my room, and we had really good conversations about what’s happening in the sport, even the pros and the Olympics. It’s fun to talk to someone that loves the sport as much as you do.”
About Dekai:
Favorite food: Salmon Ramen
Favorite TV show: BoJack Horseman
Favorite music: Punk
Katie Mellott – Lebanon Valley College (Track & Field)
Major: Physical Therapy
Final list of colleges: Lebanon Valley, Widener, DeSales
Reasons for choosing Lebanon Valley: “I chose Lebanon Valley because of their physical therapy program, and their team felt like a family.”
Favorite high school sports memory: “My favorite memory was our 8 a.m. swim and lifting workouts with our team.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in track & field at the collegiate level? “I tried out for track one year and fell in love with it so I wanted to do it as long as I could.”
Coach Elijah White says: “Katie is a wonderful athlete. She’s a hard worker, she’s taken a leadership role since she was a junior. She’s just worked and worked, and that’s what she’s demonstrated. She leads her teammates by example. You can’t ask for anything better from a leader. She hit the marks she wanted to hit, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to seeing her go off for college and continue to do what she’s been doing. She’s a wonderful young lady.”
About Katie:
Favorite food: Mac & cheese
Favorite TV show: Grey’s Anatomy
Favorite music: Country
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