BHHS Runner Is On the Fast Track

See Sydney Gray run. See Sydney Gray run very fast. She is one of the standout athletes on the Beverly Hills High School girls varsity track team, having just won first place Saturday in the in the girls 800-meter run with a time of 2:13.51.

Gray's performance makes her the only BHHS runner to move on to the CIF Masters Meet. If she races with a time below 2:14.08, she will automatically qualify for the state track meet.

But there is more to Gray than her quick feet. She is off to George Washington University in the fall on a full academic scholarship. Gray looks forward to her future with optimism and focus, which she learned in large part from BHHS track coach Jeff Fisher.

"Coach Fisher taught me the importance of being an athlete and outlining your goals in life" Gray said. "I've learned to work diligently towards each individual accomplishment." 

Gray grew up here, attending with her twin sister Katie before making her way to BHHS (their mom is also a Horace Mann and Beverly Hills High alumna). She enjoyed soccer and rollerblading, which eventually led her into running.

"I ran cross country and track, while playing soccer also, beginning in my freshman year. I developed a real love for running which, two years ago, in my junior year, really became my main sport when coach Fisher came aboard," Gray said. "I admire his work ethic and immense dedication to our team. He's played a huge role in my life both as a coach and a friend."

Gray plans to run cross country at GWU, but will join a club track team in the area as the university does not have a formal track team.

Veteran BHHS physical education teacher and assistant track coach Howard Edelman has nothing but praise for Gray and her abilities.

"She had a major injury this year during soccer and missed most of the cross country season. Sydney came back at the end of the [cross country] season and helped us win our league with stellar performances," Edelman said. "Her determination is inspiring and with her academic prowess, she's the full bag o' chips!"

Gray also finds time to tutor Horace Mann students for two hours each weekday, in addition to running, doing homework and having a social life. To stay in shape, she maintains a strict diet without soda or fast food.

But even as Gray prepares to leave Beverly Hills to further her education, she plans to return to her hometown in the future.

"I'm off to college soon and yet I know I'll eventually move back here," Gray said. "I love living in Beverly Hills so much. Everyone wants you to be your best here."

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