By Ken Hansard
Wichita West High senior cross country runner TyJulio Torres Clark was named team captain in both cross country and track, and it is easy to see why he was bestowed these honors, because he has the kind of infectious attitude that all coaches would like to see in their players. “I am probably most proud of being named team captain. I like to bring smiles to my teammates’ faces and raise the overall morale and hype of the team.”
When asked about his goals for his final cross country season with the Pioneers, TyJulio kept it very basic, “I just want to see overall improvement for me and my teammates. My goal is to improve in all phases – improve my attitude, my mindset, and my times.”
Despite his stellar attitude, TyJulio’s journey has not come without its challenges, “I’ve had a few health issues. I have strained my hip three times, and I’ve also had to deal with heart issues due to anxiety. But I’ve really worked hard on my breathing and being able to control it.”
TyJulio also has set a couple of very tangible goals for himself, “I was happy to break 5:30 in the 1600 last season. My time to beat in cross country is 20:16 in the 5k.”
When asked where his love for cross country began, TyJulio had this to say, “I just really feel free, and I’m able to clear my mind while I run. I love the feeling of being free.”
When he is not competing for the Pioneers, TyJulio is extremely active in West High’s school culture. He is a member of AVID. He is Treasurer of the Pioneers’ chapter of the National Honors Society. He is Section Leader, 1st Chair, and a State Qualifier in Band. He is First Chair in Jazz Band, a state qualifier in Debate, and a National Qualifier in Forensics. Finally, he was also the Student Council Class President as a junior.
TyJulio is also strong in the classroom, boasting an impressive 3.7 G.P.A. After high school, he plans to attend a four-year university to major in music education. He would eventually like to become a music teacher.
