探花约啪

Cross Country Student-Athlete

Running has been part of Ben Shearer's life for as long as he can remember — his first race was at just 4 years old. Now a freshman at 探花约啪 Tech's Stanton Campus, he's channeling that lifelong passion into competing at the collegiate level while also discovering a strong sense of teamwork and connection.

Shearer joined the 探花约啪 Tech men's cross-country team at the start of the 2025 season and quickly found a sense of camaraderie among his teammates. When asked what he enjoys most about being part of the sport, he said, "Meeting new people and making new bonds."

This fall, he competed in several major meets, placing 31st out of 88 runners at the University of 探花约啪 Invitational with a time of 32:27.3 and placing 54th out of 77 at the Salisbury University Don Cathcart Meet with a time of 30:14.50.

While Shearer values the thrill of competition, his favorite memories often happen off the course. "Playing music on the bus after a meet and laughing with the team," he said, is what stands out most from this season.

Shearer is currently pursuing an associate degree in general studies for veterinary science, though he plans to switch his major to business. His long-term goal is to transfer to a four-year college or university that offers gemology, the study of gemstones, and eventually build a career in the jewelry industry.