A-K Valley high school athletes of the week: CJ Thimons and Marleen Meyer

By: William Whalen
Tuesday, April 30, 2019 | 5:24 PM

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CJ Thimons

School: Highlands

Class: Junior

Sport: Track

Report card: Thimons has emerged as one of the favorites to stand atop the podium at this month’s WPIAL Class AAA track championships at Baldwin. He took first (2 minutes, 01.53 seconds) in the 800-meter run at Saturday’s Mars Invitational. Thimons has a personal-best time of 1:55.07 in the event. He finished third (1:57.05) in the 800 at last month’s Butler invite and second (1:58.44) at Latrobe’s Wildcat Invitational. Thimons also runs the first leg of the Rams’ 1,600 relay team that came in fifth (3:43.74) at Mars. Thimons also runs cross country in the fall.

How did it feel to come in first place at Mars last weekend?

We just ran to win there. On a cruddy day, we were just going for the win. We were expecting an awful time.

What is your favorite invitational to run?

Probably Butler because the competition there pushes me to put up some of my best times.

How have you changed as a runner since your freshman season?

I think I’ve gained a lot more confidence in my ability. Freshman season, I was trying to hang on until the end.

How did you find your way to competing in the 800 meters?

The Pine-Richland invite. I went to that last year, and I doubled in the mile and 800. It was the first 800 I ever ran, and I posted a state-qualifying time. It was a complete fluke.

How many miles do you log running in one week?

During the offseason, we’ll run around 70 miles per week. At this point in the season, we do strength building and more speed stuff, so it’s around 50 miles a week.

What style of runner are you?

I’m spring-oriented. I base everything off my last kick. My whole race is to put myself into position to win it in the end.

What kind of running shoes do you wear?

I’ve been going with Asics over the past couple of years. Mostly because my foot has adjusted to them.

Have any colleges reached out to you yet?

The Naval Academy has been my dream school since seventh grade. After this year, I hope to become a Midshipman down there.

Who is the next Highlands track and field athlete we’re going to hear about?

Junior Cody Rouse. He’s a triple jumper who had a very strong season last year. He’s coming off an injury this year, and as long as he can get his marks down and hit the spring, he should have a shot at WPIALs. I believe he can medal.

What does CJ stand for?

Christopher Jeffery.

Do you have a part-time job?

I work at a shoe store out in Valencia, Up-N-Running. (Monday was) my first day. I’m really excited.

Do you have a favorite school lunch?

I’d have to say pizza and chips.

What is something interesting about you that nobody knows?

I do play the piano. I’m not very good at it, but I play it. I’m slightly below average.

What’s your go-to song?

One of the few songs I know is “Chopsticks.”

Marleen Meyer

School: Deer Lakes

Class: Junior

Sport: Softball

Report card: Meyer was pitcher perfect for Deer Lakes (7-7, 7-2) last week. Meyer gave up six hits and struck out four over five innings in the Lancers’ 15-2 win over Section 1-AAA foe Derry. She came back two days later and delivered a three-hit, four-strikeout performance in the Lancers’ 7-2 win over section rival Valley. Meyer holds a 6-5 overall record as a starter. In her first season as a full-time starter, the former second baseman has 24 strikeouts and holds a 3.30 ERA through 42 innings. She also is hitting .291. Meyer is a member of the Deer Lakes cross country team and plays for the Pittsburgh Combat under-18 travel softball team.

How long have you been playing softball?

I’ve been playing since I was 10 years old. I played for the Deer Lakes (recreational) team until I was about 14 and played on my first travel team when I was 14.

How big was it to come out of last week 2-0?

It was crazy big. We all were just happy, and it was what we’ve been working for our entire year.

How many pitches do you have, and which one is your best?

I have three pitches. It usually depends on the day. The drop curve has been my best and favorite pitch to throw this season.

Deer Lakes went 0-5 down in South Carolina at the Cal Ripken Experience to start the season. What happened down there?

We played a lot of good schools. They were crazy good. I think it took a little bit to jell. We have a lot of new girls playing.

What’s changed since?

I think we’ve matured as a team. I think we’re starting to think about the game inside the game a little bit and being mentally prepared.

After a losing in the first round of last year’s Class 3A playoffs, how important is it to make a long run in the playoffs?

That’s what we want so badly, to get there. All of us grew up watching our playoff teams go and do so well. That’s been our focus at practice.

How pumped are you for Wednesday’s game at Freeport?

I am so ready for it. I think the whole team is ready or it. And coming off a tough loss (to Burrell on Monday), we need to show what we’re capable of.

What song do you hope is playing on the bus on the way home after the the Freeport game?

After wins we always like to play throwback music. It’s usually some sort of Disney song. Like Hannah Montana or the old Pink songs.

How healthy is the rivalry with Freeport?

It’s a really good one. Playing Freeport and Burrell and it’s even more with Freeport, the whole atmosphere of the team changes.

Does it bother you that Freeport goes to Edwards Ice Cream Shop after a win?

A little bit. It does. That’s our home turf.

Who is the most underrated player on the team?

I would say (sophomore third baseman) Hannah Mass. Hannah Mass hits the ball every time she gets up to bat and has the strongest arm of anybody I’ve ever seen.

If you could have walk-up music to the plate, what song would you use?

I feel like I’d have to say a Khalid song.

Do you have a dream softball school to go and play at?

I like Tennessee a lot.

What’s your favorite subject at school?

Pre-calculus.

What is your favorite school lunch?

Probably grilled cheese and tomato soup.

What is something interesting about you that nobody knows?

I like to cook or bake. I bake with my grandma a lot.

What’s your specialty?

Some sort of cookie. It’s a potato chip cookie. That’s my favorite one.

William Whalen is a freelance writer.

Tags: Deer Lakes, Highlands