School: Wright City

Grade: Junior

School Activities: Track, cross country, soccer, basketball, FFA and HOSA 

Dream Destination: Montana 

Favorite School Subject: Science 

If you could do another track event, what would it be? “Javelin.”

Would you rather score a goal or have an assist? “Score a goal.” 

How long have you been involved with track, cross country, soccer and basketball?

“I started all these sports at a very young age.” 

Which one is your main sport?

“Basketball.” 

Why basketball?

“For me, it’s mainly the adrenaline and the coaches that I’ve had that have made it more fun.” 

With being a four-sport varsity athlete, how do you manage your time?

“It gets a little busy especially when you have a lot of homework, but I mainly just write down a schedule at the beginning of each week so I can stay on track.” 

When did you start doing rodeo and what got you into that sport?

“I was probably three. It’s a generational thing – my dad did it and so did my grandpa and grandma.” 

Take me through your rodeo career.

“When I started off, I had this really slow horse but he took care of me and it was easy to get into it because I have ridden my whole life. My parents were very good teachers and the more I participated, the more I loved it. Also, just growing the bond with the horse is a really special, incredible thing. I’ve come so far too. I used to be this little kid who had dreams of rodeoing my whole life and now here I am. It’s really incredible.” 

What are some things you are most proud of throughout your athletic career?

“I’ve improved a lot throughout the years. I put a lot of time and work into everything to get to where I’m at and be a varsity athlete.” 

What do you want to accomplish during your junior year?

“I definitely want to go to state again for track and cross country. I’d also like to make it past a few rounds of districts in basketball and soccer.”

Having gone to state in two different sports as an underclassmen, how did you deal with the pressure? 

“Sometimes it can be hard to stay out of my head. Last year in cross country it was really nerve wracking because the weather (at state) was raining and bad, but my coach talked to me and got me out of that headspace. For track, I had a really good team. My teammates were there and supportive. I also knew it was my first year and I’d have more years.” 

How do you stay motivated during a cross country meet?

“I mainly just tell myself that the pain is temporary. I want to make the race worth it, so I might as well make the pain worth it and push myself to get a medal.”

What helps you cut down on your times when it comes to cross country?

“Mainly the preparation beforehand. If I know I have a race on Friday, then I know I shouldn’t be pushing myself as hard as I can but I should still get in the miles and the reps.” 

You had multiple assists in soccer last season. What do you look for when setting up a teammate?

“I think you have to have that bond and create it in practice. Once you’ve gotten to the point where you know which moves help benefit the other, it’s easy once you’re in the game.” 

Do you have any unique superstitions before heading into a game or a race?

“I usually eat a pack of skittles or sour patch kids – that’s what I did basically all year.” 

What is one of your favorite sports memories?

“Track was really big for me my freshman year because I loved my team and we had such a good bond. I was known as the stupid freshman, but it was a good thing. We all got along and they were so supportive.” 

Do you want to pursue any of these sports in college?

“I definitely want to rodeo in college but I also would really like to do track.”