For Ada High School freshman Gaius Knighten, cross country is more than just a sport—it’s a passion driven by a love for running long distances and the thrill of competition. “I first started cross country in the eighth grade. I wanted to try out cross country because I have always done track, and I love running long distances, so I figured, ‘Why not try cross country?’” he explained.
Gaius’s motivation to push himself comes from a desire to be better and to leave his mark at Ada High. “I was inspired to run cross country because I wanted to be better at running, and I want to beat my high school mile record,” he shared. Interestingly, he looks up to legendary sprinter Usain Bolt as a source of inspiration. “I know he is a sprinter, but I admire his passion and how he works for what he wants. Following his story motivates me to do better.”
The competitive atmosphere within Ada’s cross-country team this year is something that excites Gaius. “I would describe the team’s chemistry as competitive and fast. I love the competitiveness we have this year; it makes it even more fun,” he said. Gaius sees himself as a leader, responsible for pacing and motivating his teammates during races. “I always try to say, ‘Get up here so we can finish!’ I try to push them to do their very best.”
Training for cross country is no easy feat, but Gaius embraces the grind. “Mondays we do strength training, Tuesdays conditioning, Wednesdays strength training, Thursdays conditioning, and Fridays strength training,” he explained, adding that he runs 2.5 to 3 miles daily at Ada High.
One of Gaius’s proudest moments came last season when he placed fourth at the Holdenville meet with a 6:19 mile. “That was a memorable moment for me,” he recalled. However, running isn’t always smooth, as he faced a significant challenge at Wintersmith Park in Ada. “I overcame this challenge by focusing on something else, so I didn’t feel the pain.”
Looking ahead, Gaius envisions himself running cross country and track in college at either East Central University or the University of Oklahoma, while studying multimedia. His advice to younger athletes is simple: “Don’t ever give up, keep pushing, and just enjoy the sport you love.” With his discipline, dedication and the support of his coach Jaron Keith and parents, Gaius is ready for whatever the future holds.
