Wichita Heights runner Joshua Banks has spent this season focused on consistency, improvement and contributing to his team’s success every time he steps on the track.
“My primary focus this season was becoming more consistent and continuing to improve my times at every meet,” Banks said. “I wanted to push myself both mentally and physically, help my team score points, and finish the season stronger than I started.”
That mindset has guided Banks through both training and competition, as he has worked to lower his times while building on lessons from the offseason. One of his biggest priorities was improving endurance and overall speed, something he addressed through year-round training and competing in multiple sports.
This past fall, Banks ran cross country for Heights, an experience he said helped build stamina and mental toughness. He also trained with the Shocker Track Club during the winter, where he focused on speed and form in a competitive but supportive environment.
“It was pretty hard at first to be motivated to run for so long,” Banks said, “but by just showing up and motivation from my coaches, the work became easier and I saw improvement not only in cross country but track as well.”
Banks said his strengths come from both his effort and his mindset on and off the track.
“I would consider my work ethic and determination to be some of my biggest strengths,” he said. “I try to lead by example by giving maximum effort at practices and meets. I believe that when others see me working hard, it will encourage them to do the same. Which overall will help the team improve daily. I also believe my faith in God is one of my biggest strengths as it gives me confidence to perform well and reminds me that there is nothing to fear.”
That confidence has translated into measurable progress. Banks entered the season with a personal-best time of 57.51 seconds in the 400-meter dash and has since dropped that mark to 55.30.
For Banks, success goes beyond times and placements. He defines it through growth, consistency and team performance.
“A successful season would mean seeing improvement from everyone on the team and reaching the goals we set at the beginning of the year,” he said. “To me, a successful season is not just defined by the performance at a meet, but the hard-work and effort that is put in throughout the week.”
