Savanna's Kinyon Burge signs with Southwestern Christian track and field
Feb. 28—Kinyon Burge is sprinting to the track in Bethany, Oklahoma.
The Savanna senior signed his letter of intent Wednesday to join the track and field team at Southwestern Christian University after his high school graduation this spring.
Burge said he's played sports his whole life, starting with t-ball at three years old. Shortly after, he also began playing basketball, football, and baseball. As far as running track, he said last year was his first year.
"I had no track to use daily," Burge said. "I was playing baseball and going to a track meet I could make here and there. I was able to win some meets, and I was regional champion and qualified for state my first year running."
Upon choosing Southwestern, Burge said it felt like home.
"I liked the small feel it had, similar to what I'm accustomed to at Savanna," he said.
Southwestern's track coach Matt Parent was another reason Burge signed.
"He showed such genuine interest in having me become a part of his team," he said. "He believes in my talent and knows the potential I have to improve and get even better."
Burge said he's "honored, excited, and humble" for this opportunity to become a college athlete.
"I am doing some extra training to get faster off the blocks and work on mechanics to be able to improve my times even more," he explained. "I want to qualify for nationals in college and help my team win."
When he's not running on the track, Burge plans on majoring in sports medicine.
Reflecting on who his biggest supporters have been during his career thus far, he says his family, teammates, and coaches have played a big role.
"All these people were supportive and influential in my life. They believed in me, trusted me, and supported me in all I wanted to achieve."
Burge's advice for others working towards their dreams? Work hard.
"Work harder than everyone else. Never let anyone work harder than you," he said. "Never quit. Give everything you have every single day. Someone may be more talented than you are, but no one should work harder than you do."
