By BYRON BEERS
Peyton Carson is coming off a strong performance at the Chandler 66 Classic on April 14 where she took home three titles.
The Mannford junior track standout finished first in the 800 meter run (2:23.71), 1600 (5:34.24) and 3200 (12:30.56).
But Carson, who has shined as a runner since her freshman year at Mannford, has higher expectations.
“My goals this season are to break 5:30 in the mile, 12:00 in the two mile, and 2:20 in the 800,” she said.
“Peyton has an incredible work ethic and is a very talented runner,” Mannford coach Mike Banfield said. “As a freshman, she was the Tulsa 7 champion in the 3200, 4×800, and 4×800. That same year she was the regional champion in the 800, 1600, 3200, and 4×400. At state that season, she placed fourth in the 800, third in the 1600, fourth in the 3200, and fourth in the 4×400.
“As a sophomore she was the Tulsa 7 champion in the 3200, regional champion in the 100 and finished second at regionals in 800 and 4×400. At state that season, she finished third in the 1600 and fifth in the 800 and 10th in the 4×400. Great student, kid, and athlete!!”
Carson, who has ran track and cross country since she was in the seventh grade, is excited for what’s to come for her and her team for the remainder of the 2023 season.
“I have had a successful season individually,” she said. “The team aspect of track is also really fun with the relays. Overall, I think we have had a good season and it will only get better with conference, regionals, and state approaching.”
Carson was a top-three finisher at the OSSAA Class 4A State Cross Country Meet in October where she ran a 12:13.82.
She has fond memories of her freshman year on the track.
“My most memorable moment was freshman year at state. I placed in all three individual events as a freshman,” Carson said. “We also placed fourth overall in the 4×400. Training all season long with my teammates and finishing off the season with a win was amazing. It was a huge accomplishment.”
Carson, who enjoys doing speed work when she’s training because it pushes her both mentally and physically, also excels in the classroom.
“I want to maintain a 4.0 GPA,” she said. “I have learned to balance my time between school, sports, and other activities by prioritizing what is important to me. I can’t run without good grades, so academics are just as important as training.”
Carson says her strengths are her attitude and work ethic both during practices and meets.
“My ability to be versatile when it comes to different events is also a strength,” she said. “I have improved on understanding that improving is a process and not something that happens overnight. It takes time and hard work to make yourself better, especially when no one is watching.”
During her time away from school and the track, Carson, an admirer of American star athlete Anna Hall, enjoys working out and reading. She also likes to spend time with family and friends, and she plans to continue her academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level.
“I think being a student-athlete keeps you involved academically and athletically,” she said. “It also teaches you valuable life lessons. I think the constant grind is what makes being a student athlete challenging but rewarding at the same time.”
