Did you just graduate??? Check this out
2013 Senior Send-Off: Time to Honor the Seniors!!!
Tretez Kinnaird is a 2013 Butler graduate. He leaves high school as the best 800m runner in Kentucky history with a #1 time of 1:49.31. During his senior year he ran the #1 time in the United States during indoor season with a 1:50.97 in Washington. During high school he earned All-American honors and represented the USA in France in the World Youth Championship. He will continue his career at Indiana University next year.
Personal Bests
400 Meter Dash 49.51
5,000 Meter Run 15:53.60
800 Meter Run 1:49.31
One Mile Run 4:15.97
What was your most memorable race/event?
I would definitely have to say running in the IAAF World Youth Championships in Lille, France. Getting the chance to represent my country overseas is just something I can't explain. Being a part of Team USA, competing against 170+ countries, and coming out as the best team in the WORLD is a pretty good feeling too.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
I think my biggest competition was Andrew Stewart(North Hardin graduate/current UofL runner). We pretty much raced against each other from the 400-5k my freshman and sophomore year. He is a great role model and still to this day I look up to him because he has taught me so many things outside of running that has made me a better person.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
That one is a tossup. I would probably have to say setting the state record for the 800 my junior year or ending my sophomore year ranked as the 12th fastest time in the world for my age group(#1 time for my year).
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
Honestly, I wouldn't change a single thing because if it wasn't for my flaws or mistakes, I wouldn't be the runner/young man I am today.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I've had to overcome stress fracture after stress fracture. At times I've thought about walking away from the sport, but my coaches, family, and supportive system made me realize that god is just putting these obstacles my way to make me stronger for hopefully greater things ahead. I have learn to deal with the outcome but it has pushed me to be a better runner.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss seeing/racing old and new friends from around the state. I have met so many awesome people throughout my high school career.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
My advice to younger athletes is to keep your training consistent, trust your training and your coach, and just have fun!
"Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever." -Lance Armstrong
What influence has your coaches had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coaches have made a huge impact not only just in running, but in life lessons as well. I think that they would agree with me when I say I've came a long way from my freshman year to now. We have had our up's and downs but I can truly say I have been blessed with two great coaches in Brandon Lesher and Gray Wade.
What are your plans for college or joining the workforce next year?
I will be attending Indiana University in the Fall. Go Hoosiers!
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to say thank you to my coaches Brandon Lesher and Gary Wade, my middle school coach Kenny Janes(the man who started it all), my mentor Swag Hartel, my teammates for the past four years, and to everyone that believed in me. I couldn't have done it without you all.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Thank you KYtrackXC for an awesome four years of coverage! Also, congrats to all the Seniors graduating and moving on to bigger and better things. WE MADE IT!
