As far back as he can remember, Northampton’s Ben Henry always liked to race short distances.

“When I was little, I would always try to run as fast as I could for a short distance,” noted Henry. “I wasn’t super fast, but I liked to race other kids. I remember running in some 40-yard dashes.

“I always was trying to race.”

Henry’s youthful antics proved to be a perfect scenario for his future.

At the PIAA state track and field championships this past spring, the junior placed fifth and set a new mark in qualifying (21.69) in the 200 and also participated in the 400. It was the perfect culmination of a season filled with his share of accolades in the 100, 200, and 400 this past season for the Konkrete Kid.

At the East Penn Conference (EPC) meet, Henry was second in the 100 (11.1), as well as second in the 200 (22.34) and the 400 (50.44). Henry was third in the 200 (22.30) and second in the 400 (49.60) at districts.

He worked to decrease his times with the turning of each event.

“Ben worked very hard, and was one of the top sprinters around,” said Kids head coach Tim Caffrey. “He has set school records, and has continued to improve in many ways.”

For Henry, the journey began as a raw freshman who decided to test his speed rather than his distance. He didn’t run cross country in middle school.

Henry made a smooth transition that year due in part to upperclassmen Ethan Deeter and Tyrese Brandon, both of whom made him confident and comfortable.

“There was a home meet that year in which all of us swept the 100,” said Henry. “I knew then that I could do this and be comfortable and successful.”

However, there was an obstacle along the way.

“Looking back, the biggest adjustment was getting used to my foot in the blocks,” he stressed. “At first, it was really bad.

“I found out there is more than just going up there and sprinting. There is technique and form. But coach Caffrey helped me to get through it. It wasn’t that it was difficult; it just took a little time.”

As Henry made his mark in all three races his freshman year, he was filled with anticipation and expectation for his sophomore season.

Like the rest of the high school athletic world, the reality of COVID-19 struck hard.

“It really sucked,” deadpanned Henry. “I thought I was going to have a good season. I took off for a little bit, and then started running and lifting.”

This season, Henry was pleased with the team’s six-meet regular season schedule. It was during the season that he perfected his 400 performance.

“I thought it was a good schedule, and it worked for me,” he said. “I know some kids missed out on the invitational, and those help set a bigger stage. It would have been nice, but it was fine.”

Henry credited his father, Raymond, and teammate Matt Heisler for their support.

“They really helped me get through it,” he stated. “My dad really was there for me. Matt Heisler really worked with me on the 400.”

During this summer, Henry entertained the thought of AAU track. He envisions himself running track in college.

“I’ll take some time off, and maybe get into an AAU program,” he said. “I do want to run track in college.

“But I have another year left, and am anxious to see what I can do next year.”