A knee injury turned Zanden Howard’s cross country season into a test that had little to do with times or finishing places.

The Ada sophomore faced days when running hurt and he wondered whether he could continue. He also watched teammates train while he recovered. Howard ultimately finished the season; an accomplishment rooted in perseverance.

“One accomplishment I’m most proud of is pushing through a knee injury during my cross country season and finishing out the season,” Howard said. “I could have stopped, but I decided to keep working through it and finish what I started.”

The experience changed Howard’s view of running. Cross country already demanded consistent work, but the injury required patience when progress came slowly.

“It was frustrating watching my teammates run while I had to focus on recovering, but it taught me to be patient and appreciate running instead of taking it for granted,” Howard said. “I learned that setbacks are part of life, and what matters is how you respond to them.”

Howard, who also competes in track, carries that outlook beyond athletics. The best advice he has received is not to worry about what he cannot control. Instead, he focuses on how he responds to a difficult run, schoolwork or an everyday setback.

His perspective was also shaped by Jim Skender, his former baseball coach and middle school principal. Howard said Skender taught him that being a good person and teammate matters as much as success. Skender also pushed him to work hard, be responsible and persevere when things became difficult.

Howard credits his best friend, Daniel, and Daniel’s father for including him in basketball practices and tournament travel. Daniel’s work ethic and competitiveness continue to push Howard, who still plays weekend tournaments with his former team.

Outside athletics, Howard participates in Ada’s aviation program. He also thanked his mother for supporting his athletic goals and helping him through two school changes.

“No matter what I’ve decided to do, she has always been there to help me figure things out and support me along the way,” Howard said.

Finishing an injury-altered season did not give Howard the year he imagined. It gave him proof that a setback does not have to determine where he stops.