Posted: May 02, 2020

Senior Saturday Salute: Shaylyn Gower

Sport(s): Track and Field

Event(s): Sprints | Jumps

Hometown: Washington, Pa

High School: Trinity

Parents' Names: Bob and Denielle Gower

Athletic Accomplishments: Won the 60 and the 200 at this year's PAC Indoor Championships. Won the 100 and the 200 at the 2019 PAC Outdoor Championships. Was fourth in the 400 at the 2017 and 2018 PAC Outdoor Championships. Finished fifth in the 400 at the 2017-18 and 2018-19 PAC Indoor Championships.

Other Clubs/Organizations: Phi Mu, Psych Club

Major: Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice

Prior to the season being interrupted, how was the year going - what was the team's expectations and goals?

Prior to the interruption our team had just come off an outstanding performance at Pac championships. We had numerous individual triumphs and that helped us stand out as a team.

As for any season we can into this year looking to improve on what we did last year. Many of our members set high expectations for themselves which brought the extensity of practice and meets to a new level. Our goals were to achieve and surpass the goals that we and others set for us.

What are your personal career goals? Jobs, internships, interests moving forward?

I plan on attending grad school to further my knowledge in Psychology, either in counseling or in behavioral analysis.

Do you have any advice for your younger teammates or recruits that are looking at coming to Bethany?

To younger teammates and recruits: This team has taught me so many things and has been my sense of escape for the four years that I have been at Bethany. The accomplishments that I have made are not only accredited to myself but also to this program (especially the coaching). It's very hard to find a coaching staff that is as involved in the lives of their student athletes as ours are here. I wouldn't have achieved a fraction of my goals without the dedication that they have to this program.

What has it meant to you being a Bison?

Being a Bison has taught me to be unique. Not many colleges have what we have. I have learned to rise where others have chosen to fall back and that has made such a difference in my life.

Being on a small campus means coming together to form a united front. We support each other even at the smallest of events and that says everything. Truly one Bethany.

Who has supported you during your time as a student-athlete?

My family has definitely played a major part in the success that I've had here in my four years. I was lucky to go to a school that was close to everyone so it was easier for them to come see me compete.

Coach Upton has also played a major part to my success on campus both on and off the track. Sometimes I think that he got tired of seeing me every day since I worked football and ran track, but in all the everyday sightings made it easier for him to push me to succeed. Not many people possess the skill to "light the fire" in someone and make them achieve what they don't think is possible, but he does. And it shows in his athletes accomplishments.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic caused the 2020 spring sports to be cancelled. Bethany College wants to thank all of our seniors for representing the Bison in a positive manner and for all their hard work and dedication over their careers at Bethany.