Beth Emery
The 1970’s brought the resurgence of girls’ athletics to the high school scene. Many outstanding female athletes of that era faced sports in their infancy of competition and coaching…Because of this period the athletic talent of 1979 Ashland graduate, Beth Emery, was probably never close to its proven potential.
Beth earned Varsity letters in volleyball, and track, but her real talent surfaced in swimming. Her name started to appear early on the Ashland YMCA record boards from 1968 and 1976.
Beth participated on the combined boys’ and girls’ swim team because there were not enough females to organized an interscholastic schedule. As a senior she competed in the first State Ohio High School Athletic Association Meet for girls where she placed in the Top Five Swimmers in Ohio in the 50 and 100 freestyle. She was acclaimed with High School All-American Honors in 1979.
A full tuition swimming scholarship to national power North Carolina State University awaited Beth. She emerged as one of the finest swimmers in North Carolina history. Earning four varsity letters she claimed All-American honors during each year of her varsity eligibility.
In 1982 her scholarship performance was recognized by the University as she was tapped to the Sigma Delta fraternity for superior scholarship in academics.
Summers provided no relaxation for Emery as she took training with The Cincinnati Pepsi Marlin’s team and the Longhorn Aquatics Club in Austin, Texas.
Her junior and senior years were very special ones as she was elected captain of the women’s team at NCSU. In 1983 she was selected to participate on the U.S. Swim team at the World University games. Her post-season honors were numerous. She was selected as the Most Valuable Swimmer for two seasons and in 1983 was honored as the outstanding Female Student/Athlete for all the Varsity Women’s Sports Programs at North Carolina State University.
Beth still holds the 400-meter track record at Ashland High School, a mark that has not been matched since 1979.
Beth is presently a Landscape Designer Planner in San Diego, California.
Nominator: Harvey Young
Presenter Everett DeVaul
