West Middlesex state qualifier continues run of success

WEST MIDDLESEX, Pa. (WKBN) – West Middlesex Senior Luke Schneider has raced his way to the finish line throughout his high school career in both athletics and academics.

The Big Reds standout is a 4-letter winner on both the Cross-Country and Track & Field teams.

“Got into high school, ironically I accidentally signed up for track, I thought it was something else,” said Schneider. “Accidentally signed up, came, ran and the spark was there.”

On the cross-country team, Schneider runs the full distance 3.15 km event and is a three-year PIAA state qualifier.

“It’s every kid’s dream to run fast, how could you not,” said Schneider.

Schneider also has 45 individual wins in cross country. He has been in the cross-country District 10 top-10 for the past two years with first-team honors in his high school career.

Schneider was a member of the West Middlesex cross-country teams which qualified for the PIAA state championship in 2022 and 2023. During his freshman and sophomore year, the West Middlesex cross-country teams also held a perfect record.

“I think that every human should have goals, I think goals are the most important thing in a person’s life,” said Schneider. “I think that if you don’t, you need to have a goal of something you’re going towards because if you’re not going towards something, you’re staying still.”

On the track & field team, Schneider currently competes in the 800m, 1600m, and 3200m events. He has qualified for districts in the past two seasons in those three events.

Schneider also earned his 100 ^th individual career track & field win this season.

“I think more so is the feeling, it’s always been in the back of your head. What more can I do? How much harder can I push?” said Schneider. “If I commit myself to training this next week, maybe I can get a better time. I love the seeking, the never-ending, trying to better you.”

He also wins in the classroom, Schneider has a 4.302 grade point average.

“As for what school’s done for track and cross-country, I think it’s an invaluable resource,” said Schneider. “I think learning to be able to put all your efforts towards something and actually seeing a progression 100% translates to sports.”

Outside of sports and academics, Schneider is the West Middlesex senior class president and president of Future Business Leaders of America.

He is also the vice president of the National Honor Society and a member of NRG, a club directed at student wellness. He participated in French club, Strategy club and Robotics, as well.

Schneider also volunteers within his community. He said most of his volunteer work has to do with track & field as he helps with youth camps and fundraisers.

After graduating high school, Schneider plans to attend Penn State Behrend where he will major in Polymer Engineering. He plans on joining the college’s cycling team but doesn’t rule out joining the cross-country team.

“So why not, why not give it your best go? Why not try to make the most of something? The days aren’t going in reverse,” said Schneider. “Time’s always moving forward. Do your best and give it your best go.”

West Middlesex Senior Luke Schneider earns our Student Athlete of the Week.

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