Saint John's Beacom closes junior year with girls county runner of the year honor

Marlee Beacom ended her 2026 spring athletic season the same way she ended her fall campaign — being selected Ashtabula County Girls Runner of the Year.

The soon-to-be Saint John senior was a force in the school’s track and field resurgence this season.

Beacom capped off the season by finishing 14th in the Division V 3200 state race in a time of 11:41.72.

During the season, she ran the 800, 1600 and 3200 open races, and 4x400 and 4x800 relays, earning multiple first-place finishes throughout the campaign.

Beacom was selected the Ashtabula County Girls Runner of the Year, as voted on by the coaches.

“Receiving Track Runner of the Year is such a honor, especially alongside cross country runner of the year,” she said. “These sports have taught me so much over the years, and I’ve grown to love every part of them — the competition, the challenges, and the people who make them special.”

Heralds coach Josh Forsythe said Beacom is a competitor who embodies Saint John track.

“She encourages and supports her teammate achievements, is an all-academic Ohio athlete, and above all, she is who you want to be leading the team as one of the best runners in the county,” Forsythe said. “Marlee is an excellent example of what is to come for a young-fresh team coming out of the county. A great end to the season, but more years to come in the following years.”

Saint John resumed a track program this season after being dormant for more than a decade.

Beacom, who was selected county cross country of the year after the fall season, will look to help Saint John reach state a second straight year.

in the 2025 state tournament at Fortress Obetz & Memorial Park, in Obetz, which is near Columbus, she ran an 18:45.40 for eighth overall in the Division IV race.

“As I head into my final cross country and track seasons, I’m excited to see what I can accomplish,” she said. “My goal is not only to compete well at the conference [Northeastern Athletic Conference] and county levels, but also to make strong postseason runs and place well when it matters most.”

Beacom is looking to make the most of her senior season.

“I’m ready to continue learning, and working hard,” she said. “I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my teammates, coaches, family and school, and I hope to make them proud throughout my last season.”

Heralds cross country coach Jeremy Dunn said Beacom’s confidence, especially, has grown in the past year.

“She always had the talent, but with injuries that kept her out of competing for a couple of years, her confidence wasn’t where it needed to be,” he said. “We saw her confidence grow throughout the season last year, and that confidence carried over and grew even stronger throughout track.

“She is coming into the season with some great goals. She is determined, driven and is one of the hardest-working athletes I’ve ever coached. I have no doubt she’ll be able to reach those goals.”