Kason “KJ” Lowery has built his identity around consistency. A Durant sophomore competing in both cross country and track, Lowery runs year-round, racing the 5K in the fall and a spring slate that includes the 4×800 relay, 800 meters, 1600 meters and 4×400 relay.
He began competing in seventh grade and quickly found success. By eighth grade, Lowery went undefeated in track, a breakthrough that showed his potential but also introduced new pressure.
“My freshman year I put way too much pressure on myself,” Lowery said. “It gave me anxiety and made me not enjoy it.”
Over the past year, Lowery has adjusted his mindset, focusing less on outcomes and more on purpose and growth.
“Now I go into every race with the attitude that I must decrease so that He can increase,” he said. “I’m not just there to run a fast time — I’m there for a bigger purpose.”
That shift has shown up in his performances. Lowery has lowered his 800-meter personal record to 1:57 early this season and is targeting improvement in the 1600. He also believes his team has the potential to finish top three at state in the 4×800 relay.
Even so, he now defines success differently.
“The growth from who I was freshman year to who I am now,” Lowery said. “Learning to compete with joy instead of anxiety has been harder than any workout.”
That perspective has shown in key moments. At regionals his freshman year, Lowery entered the 4×400 relay exhausted after an earlier race. A teammate’s reassurance settled him, and he responded with a sub-50 split and a personal best.
“That’s what a team does,” Lowery said. “They bring out a version of you that you couldn’t reach on your own.”
Lowery says his coaches have helped shape an environment that values athletes beyond results, something he tries to mirror as a teammate.
As the season continues, his focus remains on steady improvement while keeping perspective intact. His goal is to keep lowering times and help his relay reach the podium.
“Don’t let the pressure of being good become your only focus,” Lowery said. “The athletes who last are the ones who actually love it.”
