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Charas Heurich, Smithsburg MD

In Memory of Charas Heurich

Young Runner Killed in Auto Accident

Charas Heurich was one of hundreds of young runners at Hereford November 8 for the Maryland state high school cross country championships. She usually protests, "No more photos," to her photographer father. But this day she is relaxed and smiling. Full of life and happy to be sharing the moment with her teammates from Smithsburg High School. She didn't know she had only 9 days to live.

Charas was an important part of Smithsburg's state championship (1A girls) track and field team last year. She was a regular point getter in 800-1600-3200 during the season and ran a strong leadoff leg for the 3200 relay team that got a surprising second for bonus points in the state meet at Westminster.

This year, Charas showed major improvement during cross country season. She was sixth in the Monocacy Valley Athletic League championship, and then closed out with a gutty ninth place on the tough Hereford course in the state 1A championship.

Smithsburg Coach Buddy Orndorff was sure Charas was primed to be the senior leader this spring in quest of a third straight state championship. He expected her to be a state contender in 800 and 1600.

"She was a beautiful girl. This was her year . . ."

It was her year off the track too. Pretty, popular, 4.2 grade point average, solid family support, dating the son of a doctor.

But it was all gone in an instant on November 17. After a half-day school session, Charas drove toward home. She didn't see the car on her left as she pulled into an intersection near her home. Broad daylight. No skid marks.

No big senior season.

Charas' father, Christian Heurich, still believes his daughter will be with the Smithsburg team in spirit.

"I believe Charas will still be running with the track team this spring, in a very real way."


Charas Heurich
Smithsburg MD
1980-1997

By [email protected]
Copyright � 1997 John Dye

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