By Miller Thomas
VYPE: How old are you, what sport do you play at Dewey, and how long have you been playing?
Tra Hicks: I am 16 years old. I run cross country, play basketball, and participate in track at Dewey. This will be my third year running cross country. I have played basketball at school since 6th grade, and in a rec league prior to that since first grade. I am also currently playing on a competitive travel team. I have participated in track since 9th grade.
VYPE: What, or who inspired you to run cross country, and who have been your biggest supporters?
TH: My cross country coach, Coach Knight, inspired me to run cross country. Some of my biggest supporters would have to be Coach Knight, my mom, other family members, and the cross-country teammates.
VYPE: What are some of the challenges you have faced with running cross country?
TH: Some challenges I have faced while running cross country are practicing every day, even when I don’t feel like it, and being motivated to keep running when I’m tired at meets.
VYPE: What are some things you are wanting to improve on this season, and what do you want to accomplish?
TH: One thing I would like to improve on this year is my 3-mile time in the race. I want to have faster times this year and would love for our cross-country team to qualify for state.
VYPE: What do you believe are your strengths in running cross country?
TH: I think one of my strengths in cross country is having long legs which makes my strides longer and helps me cover more ground than most people.
VYPE: Are there any coaches or athletes you admire and why?
TH: There are many people I look up to, but two would be my teammates Scott and Austin. They continue to push themselves and medal a lot.
VYPE: How important is being a good teammate in cross country?
TH: Being a strong and encouraging teammate is very important to me. Training can be strenuous and sometimes difficult but the encouragement and support I receive from my teammates pumps me up and provides inspiration and confidence to continue pushing myself. I hope that I am able to return that to my teammates in return.
VYPE: Tell me about some of your major accomplishments as a high school student.
TH: During my time as a high school student, I have consistently been on the honor roll and take pride in rarely missing school. I have been selected as Student of the Month multiple times and was invited to join the National Honor Society last year. I have also participated in sports and formed long-lasting friendships.
VYPE: What are some of the emotions you experience while competing?
TH: At the beginning of a cross-country meet, I feel anxious and nervous, but as I start running and settle into the race it begins to feel more like practice, and adrenaline kicks in as I try to catch and pass other runners. Once I complete the race, I feel relieved and happy to have completed it.
