-
Brycen Ward has ran over 7,000 miles over his running career. Ward poses with all his running shoes. Jenna Koestner Photography. -
Brycen Ward, age 11, after his first half marathon - the race that hooked him on running. Courtesy Photo.
Kingston senior cross country and track athlete Brycen Ward has gone the distance to get to where he is today. Over 7,000 miles in length to be exact.
Starting out running at a young age and having a great support system around him helped clear his path for what has yet to be finished. Ward breaks barriers not only with his legs and feet but on the academic scale, as well.
Ward deals with the pressure of being a student athlete at his level and the mental and physical intensive training schedules. It comes as no surprise that Ward’s senior year is just the starting line for a great run ahead.
Ward’s potential as a next level athlete and scholar beyond high school has earned him acceptance to Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. His senior high school accolades include 2023 Oklahoma Academic All State, National Hispanic Recognition Scholar 2023, and the 2023 Kingston High School Valedictorian. Having the academic resume and ranking at the top of his class with a 4.3 GPA, Ward said he knows that college is the future.
“Balancing athletics and academics is very time consuming, but I know that my brain will outlast my body in the long run,” Ward said.
Ward started in competitive running in 2014 at a young age alongside his mother who was doing a challenge of fourteen 5k races within the year. Ward said that was his gateway to the sport but was always racing his classmates at recess.
At just age 10, Ward ran his first 5k race. Ready for more, he began training alongside his father who rode a bicycle beside him, having him ready for his first half marathon at age 11 at the Dallas BMW Run. Having his father with him every step of the way is something that has made an impression in Ward’s life.
“My role model is my dad,” Ward said. “He’s genuinely a great guy, and he’s given me so many opportunities that weren’tavailabletohimwhen he was my age.”
Ward thanks his dad and said he is grateful for the opportunities bestowed upon him.
“I truly believe if he grew upindifferentcircumstances, then he would have been one of the best track athletes in the nation,” Ward said. “In a way, I feel like I’m destined to do something that makes up for what he missed out on.”
Ward acknowledged the support from his mom, dad, sister,nanaandpapawhoare literally at every single one his meets. With close family ties and healthy support, it is no wonder why Ward can go as far as he does.
Ward’s high school athletic accomplishments come with many school records for Kingston High School. Ward set the school record in the 3200-meter relay, 3200-meter run, 1600-meter run, 800-meter run, and the 5000-meter run in cross country.
He was also the 2019 XC Academic State Champion, 5A 2021 4x800 State Champion and the 3A 2022 800 State Champion. With a list like that, Ward said he set his sights on setting more records.
“My goals for my senior season are setting myself up for a shot at the 800-meter state record,” Ward said. “Also, I just don’t want to lose. I hate losing more than I enjoy winning.”
With spring running season being track and field and Ward being a top leader in both, his favorite way to train is cross country.
“I prefer training for cross country because the scenery stays fresh and interesting, but I like racing track more because I’ve got a mid-distance build and I find more success in it.”
With Kingston’s track and field season underway Ward saidCoachMcGowanisoneof his personal keys to success.
“CoachMcGowanis,inmy opinion, one of the best track coaches in the state.”
Ward said he believes that with McGowen, Kingston’s track and field will turn into a dynasty. Even with all his accolades, Ward only sees signing with OSU as a bragging point.
“Other than making the Oklahoma State track roster, I don’t think I’ve done anything worth bragging about just yet, and that’s why I think I’ll keep improving,” Ward said. “I’m very motivated and hungry.”
Ward can be seen running on campus at Kingston’s track this season training alongside his teammates for his final run as a high school athlete.