Sayre High School freshman Kinley Hickey is already making her mark on the track, but it is her attitude and work ethic that stand out just as much as her times. A multi-event runner for the Lady Eagles, she is quickly becoming a reliable presence in several events and a key piece of the team’s future.
Hickey, a ninth grader, competes in the 300-meter hurdles, 400, 800 and the 4×400 relay, embracing the challenge of both sprint and middle-distance races. She said she hopes to add even more versatility down the road by eventually trying the high jump. No matter the event, her standard is the same each time she steps on the track.
“You should never end a race feeling like you could have given more,” Hickey said.
Her drive is fueled in large part by the people around her. Hickey said she is especially inspired by Coach Hixon, whose belief in her has helped shape her approach to the sport.
“She is always there for us, loves us and always encourages us to keep going,” Hickey said.
That sense of support stretches beyond a single coach. Hickey said one of her favorite parts of track is simply being on a team every day. She enjoys the friendships she has built with teammates and the way they train together, compete together and push each other to get better. For her, contributing to the team’s success is as meaningful as any individual finish.
In the classroom, Hickey’s favorite subject is English, and she points to Coach Harris as her favorite teacher because “he is so funny.” Away from school and practice, she enjoys spending time with her family, hanging out with friends and working on the farm with her dad. Those quiet moments, along with rest, food, water and stretching, help her recharge between races on meet days.
Track has already taught Hickey lessons that reach beyond the oval. “You have to keep pushing even when it gets tough,” she said. It is a mindset she plans to carry with her as she chases big goals, including the opportunity to pursue track in college one day.
