CATAPULT Making Finish Lines Possible

CATAPULT Guide Spotlight - Cheyenne Meyer

Tell us a few details about you and your story.
I was born in Houston but grew up in East Texas. I started running in high school, then ran cross country/track for Southern Arkansas University. While I was in grad school at Texas State University, I got bored of just running…so I joined the university triathlon team, started riding my bike, and learned how to swim. I became a sighted guide for blind athletes in 2015, learning how to run alongside someone who is visually impaired, work a tether and give good verbal cues and visual descriptions. I later learned how to pilot a tandem bike from my Catapult teammate Joseph Matta, then accompanied Ashley Eisenmenger to the 2017 Paratriathlon National Championships where we earned the silver medal! I’ve worked with 20+ visually impaired athletes across the United States in running races, triathlons and cycling events over the last three years. I also had the opportunity to attend the 2018 USABA Paratriathlon Development Camp at the Olympic Training Center.

How did you discover and get involved with Team Catapult?
When you work with PC athletes, your paths are bound to cross at some point! I remember seeing Catapult athletes at a lot of the local races I would compete in solo, and was always so inspired by their hard work! After a traumatic injury in 2016, I was temporarily taken out of triathlon and running. But after four months of recovery, I was able to run again…and I was ready to lend my eyes! Chris and Jarrett approached me to serve as a guide for David Kuhn at the 2017 ABB 5k, and I’ve been part of the family ever since!

What has been your most motivating moment?
Before I got involved with Catapult, I was cheering at mile 7 of the Houston Marathon when a blind athlete (Matt Oliver) and his two guides in Catapult singlets zipped by. The crowd went wild. Parents explained to their children why he was holding onto a rope. Everyone was amazed at how fast and smooth he was running, much less doing so relying on others to help him navigate the course. I knew then that I wanted to be involved in an organization that helps make amazing things like this happen.

What is your funniest Catapult story?
It’s a lot of fun to hang out with PC athletes. Rather than being negative about life’s challenges, they have a great attitude – and usually make lots of jokes. When hanging around my Catapult family, it’s totally not out of the ordinary for me to hear “Hey, have you seen my legs?” or “Where’s the bag of canes?”
Another funny thing I’ve noticed when NOT serving as a guide is that I forget to turn off my “guide brain”. So, when I’m riding my solo bike and unclip my shoe, I’ll say to the imaginary stoker behind me “Unclip left!” Or I’ll accidentally tell my boyfriend “Three stairs up!” when approaching a staircase.
 
What was your first impression of Team Catapult? Has that changed?
My first impression of Team Catapult was a little intimidating – I mean, watching Matt and his guides fly by definitely made me feel like I would not be able to help their athletes! I also thought that Catapult only worked with athletes who are visually impaired. But as I got to know the team, I realized that all disabilities, all ages, all paces, all walks of life and all levels of experience are represented. Whether you’re a Boston Qualifier or someone who likes to jog 5ks for fun, the whole group is treated like a champion! Catapult welcomes everyone with open arms and helps to make your dreams a reality.

Favorite (motivational) quote: “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” – Steve Prefontaine

CATAPULT kindly requests your attendance at the 2019 CATAPULT Gala to be held on Friday, January 18, 2019, at The Astorian near Downtown Houston.  CATAPULT relies on several key partnerships to help achieve its mission goals, and the funds raised during the gala is the driving force behind annual events, training, scholarships, education, and community outreach programs.  

Like last year, our gala will be the same weekend as the Houston Marathon with a similar schedule on Friday evening. In 2018 we were able to raise more than $130,000 gross funds for the organization with the help of partners, sponsors and friends like you. The money raised funded 100% of the organization’s events for 2018 and beyond, assisting athletes in reaching the finish line of endurance events 100+ times (and counting), and providing a race push rim and multiple prosthetic running blades for athletes. Finally, CATAPULT awarded more than  $28,000 in grants to 50+ CATAPULT athletes in need.

We are looking forward to even greater success at this year’s celebration. Our gala will be at The Astorian and will offer amazing downtown views, first-class dining, an open bar, along with an inspiring program from those who benefit from CATAPULT the most.   The goal is to support more athletes in 2019, raise awareness, and honor our partners, supporters and cheerleaders who make CATAPULT’s achievements possible.

If you are interested in reserving a table or seat at this year's gala please email us today at hello@teamcatapult.org to learn about table options and donor levels.  Space is limited. We hope you can join us for this special evening.