Track and Field | Waynedale's Reber and Yoder make third state trip in one year

APPLE CREEK — Getting the chance to go to state once during a school year is thrill for most high school athletes.

Twice? That's really special. Three times, that's basically hitting the lottery. Across The Daily Record's coverage area spanning 16 schools, it hasn't happened often.

But two Waynedale runners Alyce Yoder and Sydney Reber both did it, becoming part of the rare group to qualify for state championships in three consecutive seasons during a single school year.

Teaming up with Kylee Gray and Clara Sundberg in the 4x800 relay, they ran a 9:59.45 at the regional meet to earn the at-large berth to state. They were also part of Waynedale's regional champion basketball team, along with getting to the state meet in cross country as a team. Three for three.

Yoder, who is a senior, couldn't have been happier as she soaked in the whole experience.

"It means so much to me that my years of hard work are paying off," said Yoder. "I’ve played basketball since second grade, ran since seventh grade and I feel so blessed that I get the opportunity to go to state in all these sports.

"It’s really been fun to share this experience with my fellow seniors because I know how hard they’ve worked for it too. It’s so cool to see how happy our coaches are for us. My basketball coaches check in and congratulate me on my running successes and my running coaches do the same with basketball."

Reber, a junior, has also thrived this spring, was ecstatic about advancing to state.

"It's super awesome to make it to state, not only once but three times in all three sports in the same year," said Reber. "I feel very blessed to have such great teammates that want the same thing as me, that's to be successful. Also, to have coaches that motivate me and get more out of me than I even know is possible."

Still the pair had to wait to find out if they had in fact made it to state as the times were logged from each region. That lasted about 2-3 hours, but when they got the call, it that pent-up emotion turned into glee.

"The first thing I felt was immense relief that we made it," said Yoder. "We were all so excited and it was such a sweet memory for my teammates and I. Kylee and I were part of the 3,200 relay team in 2019 (and) we ended up placing close to last at regionals. Then this year, we finally qualified to state and that was definitely a really special moment for us."

"My first thought was this is crazy and I'm super excited," said Reber. "My teammates and I were jumping up and down and cheering because we were so happy."

And as for the state track meet going back to Ohio State's Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium, that only added to the thrill for both.

"I was able to watch my brother three years ago," said Reber. "Now I get to go and experience Jesse Owens Stadium as an athlete. I'm so excited."

"Coach Zollars told us how much fun it is," added Yoder. "I know the environment is going to be great since everyone at track meets are so friendly. I can't wait to compete with the huge crowds watching."

The competitive nature of this relay team helped push the group to state this time.

"There were six of us that really pushed each other during practices to try our hardest," said Reber. "There was no free spot on this relay team and we all had to earn it."

For both Yoder and Reber, the school year started out with them playing key roles for the girls cross country team. It added up perfectly as they advanced to state for the first time as a team in school history. At Fortress Obetz and Memorial Park, the site of the Div. III state cross country meet, they helped their Golden Bears finish eighth as a team.

"We usually had plenty of success, but each year we fell just short of a trip to state," said Yoder. "However, this season, we finally had the numbers and times that we needed to make it to state. Our coaches really pushed us, especially since this was our last shot at state for us seniors."

In the winter months, Yoder and Reber made it 2-for-2 as they both played roles on the girls basketball team, with Yoder starting all season for the Bears. Despite massive graduations from the previous year, they helped the team to an undefeated regular season record and a second straight state appearance.

"Basketball was really special, because no one believed that we would be able to repeat what we did last season," said Yoder. "Not only did we make it to state again, but we broke quite a few records along the way. Our team chemistry was off the charts and our coaches put in so much work."

Then this spring came and they eyed yet another trip to state, looking to create more memories with their teammates. And here they are, completing the third leg of the state trips.

"Both of them show up and work hard," said Waynedale track and field and cross country coach Jared Zollars. "They are really important players and without them neither team (4x200 relay or cross country) goes to state. Every day they pushed each other, were critical and crucial to the team success and we owe both state appearances to them."

To finish out the incredible feat, the 4x800 relay team picked the perfect time to kick it into gear. At the WCAL meet, ran a personal record of 10:02, which left them hungry for more.

"Those two meets (WCAL and district) helped us focus on performing our best to get to state because we knew we could do it," said Reber. "And yes, we are definitely peaking at the right time."

Getting into shape for the different sports has been a challenge, but Reber and Yoder have been able to power through the fatigue.

"I take about a week off between each sport, but it's still really tough," said Yoder. "Nutrition and hydration are the most important things to take care of so you don't get hurt and worn out while going from sport to sport. Sometimes, I'd get jealous of my friends who aren't currently in a sport because of all the free time they had, but I wouldn't trade these state experiences for anything."

Between the two Waynedale standouts, they have been to state a combined eight times and have enjoyed each experience. For Yoder, it's a great final prep chapter and for Reber, even with four state trips of her own, she has used it to fuel her for more as she prepares to enter her senior year.

"It does seem surreal, because most kids don't get to experience state throughout their high school career and I get to experience it in each of my sports," said the junior. "It makes me super hungry for next year, especially because I know what it takes to get there and I look forward to the challenge."

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Track and Field: Waynedale duo has success across three sports seasons