Athletes invest a lot of time and effort into becoming the best athlete they can be. And most will tell you, that while the physical work is important, the mental aspect of preparation is just as vital. Trevyr Kniest says that this is true for him.
“To be successful it takes a lot of mental strength,” he said. “You have to know you can do it and not think otherwise. What motivates me the most are my teammates and the urge to beat them at meets.”
Trevyr is a sophomore at Woodward High School, where he is part of the track and cross country teams. He is also involved in the band and the Culture Exchange Club.
Kniest has people in his life that he looks up to and have helped him become who he is today.
“My biggest role model would be ultramarathon runner Dean Karnazes,” he said. “Watching and researching him taught me that running isn’t just based on genetics, but also on the mental fortitude a person has. In the classroom, the teacher who has inspired me the most would probably be my band director, Mrs.Crockett. During the five years I’ve had her as a teacher, she is still my favorite and she teaches a class I look forward to going to everyday.”
Throughout his career, there have been moments that are important to Trevyr. He says that sharing the track with his teammates is something that he is proud to be able to do.
“I think the highlight of my year was all of the cross country season,” Kniest said. “But if I’m being more specific running and regionals and state with my teammates. In practice my favorite teammate to go against is probably Holden Simmons. He’s very competitive and knows how to push me and himself.”
When he runs and wears the Woodward uniform, Trevyr knows that it is about more than just himself.
“It means a lot to me knowing that I’m running for my school and for my teammates.”
