Factually speaking, Mason Boyd is a winner. His Emmaus High School career as a sprinter on the track and field team proves it. Tenacious and focused, the recent graduate had a four-event podium finish at the 2019 District 11 meet. He also ventured west to Shippensburg last year to compete in the 400m-meter run against the best Pennsylvania had to offer in the PIAA Class 3A category.

Boyd liked his trip to Shippensburg so much he decided it would be a great place to call home for the next four years. This fall, he’ll enter Shippensburg University as a track decathlete.

“I have decided to attend Shippensburg because of the great opportunity it provide me to reach my full potential as an athlete,” Boyd said. “The ultimate factor for my choice was the prestigious history of the Shippensburg track program.”

But that’s only part of the story. As previously mentioned, Boyd was a stud in district competition. He finished third in the 400, fourth in the long jump and fourth in the triple jump in districts during his junior year.

“My most proud track accomplishment would have to be getting the most points on the team two years in a row and on a path to get it a third,” he said when asked about Emmaus career highlights. “It taught me to have patience with my teammates, and have a better work ethic.”

Work ethic has never been a problem for Boyd. But global pandemics are problems for everybody. It was an adversary he could not defeat.

“The cancellation of the track season was a huge disappointment because this year would have been my breakout year,” he said when asked about what could have been this spring. “This year I could have possibly broken three of the Emmaus track and field records. Having the season canceled has really taught me to not take time for granted.”

Disappointed, sure. But Boyd contemplates an auspicious future.

“My goals for my college career are to be an All-American track athlete.” said Boyd.