For Warrenton senior Ben Tappmeyer, his actions have spoken louder than his words. Through four years of athletics, Tappmeyer has always been one of the quietest on the team. But it has not prevented him taking a leadership role and earning the respect of his teammates. "He's a man of few but powerful words," said long-time friend A.J. Wallace. The two have been best buds since third grade and shared the stage as the valedictorians at Sunday's graduation. It has been a journey full of prosperity in both athletics and academics. Tappmeyer played basketball all four years of high school, including two years of varsity. He has never served a glamorous role but has loved every minute of it. He led the Warriors in rebounding this season, pulling down 8.2 boards a contest, while starting all 26 games. "I guess you could say I was kind of the garbage man, getting in there and crashing the glass and getting some easy buckets that way," said Tappmeyer. "I liked practicing just as much as playing in the games." During the other seasons, Tappmeyer was a little less unpredictable. He spent time on the golf course and even on the football field. In fact, a first glance at Tappmeyer's build might give the impression that he is lining up at a tight end role or blocking. While he did play football his freshman season, an ACL injury that he feared reaggravating has kept him off the field the past few falls. Entering his final year of high school, Tappmeyer decided he would venture into uncharted territories. Having successfully ran in marathons, he believed he could compete at the varsity level on the cross country team - so he joined the Warriors last fall. "I always liked looking at the times from cross country and thought I could run pretty close to those," said Tappmeyer. Tappmeyer says the first few weeks were somewhat of a wake up call. "I remember the first race that was only a two-mile race," said Tappmeyer. "I recall thinking, 'Wow! What have I gotten myself into?'" By early November, that question had been answered. Tappmeyer shocked even himself at the district meet by qualifying for the MSHSAA Championships. The risk of trying a new sport had paid off. "It was surreal," said Tappmeyer. "Coming into districts I knew I was right on the edge. It turns out I had to run about 20-seconds faster." And now as the Class 3 Track and Field Sectionals await on Saturday, Tappmeyer finds himself just one step of shy of advancing to state in another first-year spot. After golfing the past few springs, Tappmeyer decided to join the track team. Coach Steve McDowell was thrilled when Tappmeyer informed him he would be joining the team this spring. "He's great to have on board, because we can ask anything of him and he doesn't bat an eye," said McDowell. "He just goes out and gives it his best effort… He's one of those strong, silent types." Tappmeyer has developed into one of the Warriors' better mid-distance runners and a valuable asset to a 4x800 team that has been steadily improving over the past several weeks. For a guy who has the next four years of his life set in stone, it is simply an opportunity to close out his prep career in milestone fashion, adding another achievement to a list that is already exponentially long. Tappmeyer graduated with honors, helping him to garner financial assistance toward a Structural Engineering Degree at the University of Missouri. He was also accepted into the MU Engineering Dean's Scholar's Program. Wallace, who first got to know Tappmeyer through the advanced program during elementary school, believes there is something to be said for his dedication in every facet of life. "Our mutual drive to succeed is definitely something that has drawn us together," assured Wallace. "He shines at whatever he does and he is modest about it." Wallace is not the only teammate to notice the positive demeanor with which Tappmeyer carries himself. Sophomore Justin Greene competes with him in the 4x800 and says Tappmeyer is part of a senior group that is very encouraging to the underclassmen. "It's not Ben's vocalized leadership that sets him apart," said Greene. "He leads by example, and he's very easy to be around because when he does talk its always funny or uplifting." Tappmeyer says he prefers to live his life without regret and make the most of every opportunity. He credits his parents and brother Daniel, who was also a valeddictorian, with providing him the resources to achieve his goals. "My parents expect a lot from me and are always there supporting me," said Tappmeyer. "My dad owns his own business and my brother is very independent." Entering his senior year, Tappmeyer wanted to look back and believe he had experienced every positive avenue high school had to offer. "I knew it was now or never," he said. "I knew I wasn't going to have any more chances to experience these things, and it's gone better than I expected."