As the final races approach for the class of ‘25 seniors, the senior athletes and coaches reflect on their journey and the memories they’ve created. Coaches have watched this group grow not just as athletes but as individuals, and how they’ve become leaders to their underclassman teammates and transformed into confident young adults.
“The ‘25 senior class embodies determination, teamwork, and resilience, consistently inspiring their teammates with their dedication, and leadership. The growth I’ve seen in our senior athletes has been remarkable during their journeys from beginners to confident competitors who have; honed their skills, developed mental toughness, and embraced teamwork, while maturing into role models for their younger teammates. My favorite part about coaching these seniors has been witnessing their transformation into confident young adults as they push their limits, set new personal records, and create lasting memories with their teammates during their final season,” coach Mason Dunnaway said.
For coaches, this year’s senior class has been an enjoyment to coach as many have joined this year.
“This year’s senior class has been fun to coach. Fisher, Mason, Jaxson, and Dakota have been with us all 4 years. Shane and Brooklyn the last 2 years, and Alysia, Deigo, Drake, Josh Bunch, and Heather joined this year,” coach Cody Morgan said.
As a senior on the team, it has taught this group that leaders should use their seniority to influence the younger runners to help out without being asked.
“You are never too young to be a leader and the best leaders are often those who serve others. Many of the best leaders on the team are not the seniors who use their seniority to make other students carry things out to meets but rather the younger runners who carry the track equipment out to the meet without being asked,” senior Jaxson Deckard said.
Something that many don’t understand about track and field is how fun it can be and all the events involved.
“I don’t think people understand just how fun track and field can be. Most just look at it as running, and a lot of people have a fear about running. There is probably actually more running involved in several other sports than in track outside of the distance races. I think another thing people tend to forget is the field side of track. We offer 3 different throw events and 3 different jumping events too,” Morgan said.
Another thing many don’t understand about track is how much of a mental sport it is.
“That it’s a very mental sport, and it’s you against you out there most of the time,” senior Fisher Love said.
For Jaxson Deckard, an event that’ll always have a special place in his heart is the steeplechase as it’s a once a year event they only get to run at Southern Baptist University.
“The steeplechase. It is a once a year event we only get to run at SBU. It requires stamina for its 2000m distance and mixes in hurdles and water. It gets everyone excited to watch. Everyone cheers and it is a lot of fun for those running and watching. It is a break from the usual running,” Deckard said.
Since freshman year, Fisher Love has grown as an athlete and a person in becoming more humble and improving his mindset.
“I have become more humble and realized you have to work for what you get,” Love said.
Deckard and others believe that Mason Anderson is the biggest motivator in their class.
“The biggest motivator on the team in my class is Mason Anderson. He is always excited to run and uplifting. He never talks down on others and encourages anyone he can,” Deckard said.
With this being the seniors last season competing, it may feel strange but many hope to leave their marks. For Anderson, he signed to continue his track and field career at Missouri Valley College.
“I just wanna leave a mark or records that I can one day come back to see,” Anderson said.
Deckard offers a piece of advice to his teammates as he moves on from high school track and something he’d like to say to his coaches.
“Work hard at all you do. It cannot be stressed enough that the more work you put in, the more you will benefit from it. You are already at practice and will spend the same amount of time there regardless of whether you put your max effort or your minimal. However, the gains you see are entirely dependent on your effort. If you are already there putting in the time, you might as well put in the effort too and be proud of it,” Deckard said.
“I would like to thank my coaches for believing in me through the years and keeping me motivated throughout the years . . . you broke me out of my shell and built my confidence, allowing me to be the person and athlete I am today,” Deckard said.
In a few words, coach Morgan describes this senior group and offers advice to take with them after grad.
“Not Easily Forgotten. I love this group. I hope that they know they are capable of more than what they think their limitations are. I hope they have learned how to set goals and how to work towards them. I hope they have learned that hardwork and dedication are the way to achieve their goals in life,” Morgan said.
