By Emory Kouplen

Karson George is an outstanding athlete at Atoka High School. Karson is a senior and displays his athletic abilities through his impressive performance in track.

Karson got involved in track during his sophomore year of high school, and it quickly became a passion of his. “Going into my sophomore season my coach approached me and asked if I would be interested in participating in track and field,” he shares, “and I have loved it ever since.” During his time participating in track and field, Karson has experienced mental and physical growth. When asked what he most enjoys about track, he explains how it pushes you to do your best because you are in charge of your success. “The thing I most enjoy about track is the fact that it is you against yourself. You can’t depend on others to do it for you,” he explains. While Karson works to keep himself motivated, he maintains a focus on providing motivation for his teammates. “To lead my team, I just work to make sure that everyone goes into every meet confident and excited to compete. It is positivity that ultimately brings a team together and towards success.”

Being involved in track since his sophomore year has allowed Karson to learn many valuable lessons. One that has impacted him in particular focuses on the importance of persistence and working hard. “The biggest lesson I learned was that you can’t hope or wish for something to happen, you have to make it happen.”

Although track can get difficult, the advice Karson gives to his fellow athletes is to enjoy every moment of an athletic career. “If someone asked me for advice, I would say enjoy everything, from the bad days to the PR’s. One day all you will have left are memories you’ll never forget.”