Four years ago, Matt Heisler decided to try track to help with his cross county career, one that he began in middle school.

Since then, track has taken his center stage.

“I wanted to try track to help me with my distance in cross country,” recalled Heisler. “When I did, I fell in love with it.

“So far, it has been a lot of fun.”

Heisler has been running the 400 and also third leg of the Konkrete Kids’ 4 X 400 relay team. He recently placed sixth in the 400 at the league meet, and his relay team was second in a time of 3:32.2

“I ran well, but it wasn’t well enough,” added Heisler. “We did pretty well as a relay team and we have been doing well all year.”

Heisler explained how this year was different after last year’s season was canceled and the winter season was shelved as well.

“I knew I had to work much harder this season,” he said. “We missed out on winter track and it provided a different perspective. We only had six meets this year, and we had to attack every practice and meet.”

He did focus his sights on the PIAA District 11 meet at Blue Mountain Wednesday, which comes after Press deadlines. His best time in the 400 this year has been 51.9.

Kids’ head coach Tim Caffrey has been confident all season that Heisler could hit his mark.

“Matt has really focused on lowering his time in the 400,” stated Caffrey. “Even with a reduced winter indoor season, Matt kept up with winter workouts and is anxious to keep lowering his PR each week.”

Running has been a staple in Heisler’s life since he was young.

“I was running when I was younger in races,” said Heisler. “There were fun runs for kids that were one or two miles,

“As I got closer to middle school, I was running two miles races that helped me get ready for cross country.”

Heisler credited the support of his grandfather, Daniel Weaver, who has been a constant inspiration to him.

“My grandfather has had a big influence on me,” he said. “He has helped me through a number of things.”

Heisler plans to attend East Stroudsburg University next fall to pursue a degree in physical education with a minor in athletic coaching.

He noted that there are a number of teachers on his mother’s side of the family, and it seemed like a natural fit. His mother, Michelle, is a teacher, but she tried to talk him out of it.

“My mom didn’t want me to do it because of the pressures,” he stated. “But I want to do it anyway.”

He also would like coach track someday.

“I would really like to coach track, but I would just like to coach,” he said. “I love working with kids and teaching them no matter what sport it is.”

Heisler spoke about a recent visit from former Kids’ and state track hall of famer Jason Kremus, who spoke to the team.

“He talked about how he went all out during this senior year,” said Heisler. “He reminded us that we need to go all out during our last year.

“This was going to be my last chance, and our last chance as a relay team.

“I always have tried to do that over my four years.”