TOWSON, Md. – Towson University senior Liz Reid is having a blast rewriting the school record book and making a difference in the lives of the kids at White Oak School in Parkville.
 
Reid, who is from Souderton, Pennsylvania, has a full plate.
 
In addition to being one of the best runners in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), Reid is also teaching fourth-grade special education classes as part of her internship. She wouldn't have it any other way. The selfless Reid inspires her students through her spirited personality and dedication to excellence.
 
"I really like working with kids and getting to have a positive impact on them," Reid said. "I've always wanted to be a teacher. I always loved school. It's rewarding and exciting to see the kids smile everyday. It's fun getting to learn from the kids and them learning from me. It means so much to see them applying the skills that you taught them. I also like making the lessons fun so that the kids are engaged and having fun while learning."
 
Reid is off to a fast start this outdoor season for the Tigers, who host the Towson Invitational Saturday. The field events begin at 10 a.m. and the running competition starts at 12 p.m.
 
Reid ran 23.91 seconds at the Pepsi Florida Relays in the 200-meter dash to establish a program record on March 30. In addition to having the best time in the CAA in the 200 and 400, Reid is 41st in the East Region in the 400 and 43rd in the East Region in the 200. She won her 400-meter heat at the Florida Relays in a personal best time of 54.73.
 
"I am very excited to be the first in program history to run 23," said Reid following her race at the Pepsi Florida Relays. "It is a goal that I have had for a long time so it was exciting to finally break the barrier. University of Florida has a great facility and environment to run fast. It's exciting to compete at such a high level. I felt great in my race so I was super excited to see that I ran the time I was hoping for."
 
When Reid started running in fourth grade back in the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), she had no idea that she would be enjoying a decorated career for the Tigers years later. She did everything because of her sister. Reid even dabbled in throwing the shot put when she was younger. She found her niche as an elite 200-meter and 400-meter runner.
 
Reid sparkled at last year's CAA championships, helping the Tigers finish third overall. She placed second in the 400 (56.80) and second in the 200 (24.71). Reid was a CAA champion as a member of the 4 x 100-meter relay team with Helnsarah Penda, Arianna Waller and Jamila Brown (school record time of 45.65 seconds) and was a member of the 4 x 400 relay team that was third overall (3:43.91).
 
She's driven to do better at next month's championship meet.
 
"Everytime I PR, I want to get faster and keep improving," Reid said. "I know there's always something I can do better. The 400 is more difficult and I feel more confident running it. Plus I've had more experience in running it. The 200 and 400 both have elements of the race that I like. In the 200, my focus is more on the start and in the 400 it's keeping the speed and finishing strong. There's also a strength and mental component in the 400 that I like."
 
One of Reid's fall highlights was having members of the track team visit at Logan Elementary School, where she interned.
 
"It was exciting to have the two aspects of my life came together," Reid said. "I am excited for this meet because my family and friends will be here and makes the meet more fun. There's nothing like waking up in your own bed on race day. It only happens one day a year. I have had a ton of great experiences here at Towson. Sports, academically, socially and I am sad it's coming to an end. There's been so many great memories that it's bittersweet."
 
Fortunately, Reid has plenty of opportunities remaining to create more special moments on track and meaningful ones in her future career as an educator.

 

What:	Towson Invitational
When:	Saturday, April 6, 2019
Where:	Johnny Unitas Stadium
Time:	Field Events at 10 a.m. | Running Events at 12 p.m.