The memory of his first regional race still fuels Ada’s Gaius Knighten. “I would have to say it’s regionals, the first time ever doing that was very exciting,” he said. That milestone not only marked a highlight in his young career but also set the standard for what he wants to accomplish this season.

Knighten has clear goals as a sophomore runner. “Hit at least a 19- or 18-minute 5K,” he said. With that target in mind, he leans on both his own discipline and the growing confidence of his teammates. “I would say it’s been more positive this year,” he explained. “I would say our biggest improvement is with our practices and getting faster.”

The Cougars know what they are chasing. “Making it to state and getting a lot of medals this year,” Knighten said. Those aspirations are powered by the way the team pushes each other daily. “We push each other to our very best.”

For his part, Knighten takes on leadership duties even as an underclassman. “The roles I play are cheering on my teammates and being a leader for the routes, and pacing,” he said. His strategy on race day reflects that leadership. “The fastest way around the course and when to push for the finish.”

When it comes to preparation, Knighten focuses on both the mental and physical sides of racing. “I stretch and think about how I want to attack this course,” he explained. Then, as he steps to the starting line, his mindset sharpens. “Don’t get last and to get a good result.”

Cross country requires dedication, and Knighten is quick to point out what outsiders might not see. “How much work we put in for cross country and how early we wake up sometimes for cross country,” he said. That effort is what makes the sport rewarding.

Music gives him the extra edge before competition. “Nobody by Elevation Worship,” Knighten shared when asked about his hype song.

Beyond cross country, Knighten’s goals stretch into the future. “My plan after high school is to go to East Central University and to get a degree on multimedia video production.”

For Knighten, running is more than a race—it’s a path toward growth, leadership, and his future.