The Gatorade State Boys Track & Field Athletes of the Year were selected based on athletic production and impact in the 2015-16 season. Each winner also demonstrated high academic achievement and exemplary personal character, including volunteerism, sportsmanship and community leadership.
For the complete list of Gatorade State Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Ben Veatch
THE BASICS
School: Carmel (Ind.)
Grade: Senior
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 135 pounds
Athletic achievement: He swept the 1600-meter run with a time of 4:08.38 and the 3200 in 8:58.18 at the state meet this past season, leading the Greyhounds to the state championship as a team. The state’s two-time Gatorade Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year, Veatch also took silver in the 2-mile at the Brooks PR Invitational. His season-best times in the 1600 and 3200 both ranked in the nation’s No. 25 prep performances in 2016 in those events at the time of his selection. His 8:50.92 at NBNO was the nation’s No. 2 clocking in the 2-mile.
Academic excellence: Veatch has maintained a 4.20 GPA.
Exemplary character: He has volunteered locally on behalf of a nursing home, youth running programs and the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
THE PRAISE
“Ben is a team-first athlete whose time at Carmel has led to the most successful period in program history for cross country and track and field,” said Carmel coach Ken Browner. “His work ethic and willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team sets him in a league of his own.”
THE FUTURE: Veatch has signed a National Letter of Intent to run on an athletic scholarship at Indiana University this fall.
