Panthers distance runner takes on leadership role

Grayson Barber will take on a leadership role on the Colleyville Heritage boys cross country team this coming season, and coach Will Carter said he will rely on him to lead by example.

Barber qualified for the regional meet in 2015, and Carter said he expects Barber to be his top runner this coming season.

“Grayson brings a great deal to the team. He has quite the gregarious personality, so he makes himself available to all his teammates, makes sure they feel welcomed and aids in making cross country a positive environment for his teammates.

“With his personal records and history from the previous years, Grayson brings hope to his teammates that anything can be achieved as long as you commit to achieving whatever you set out for.”

Barber is aware of his new role on the team headed into the season and said he is optimistic about the changes and challenges this season will present.

“Several of our varsity runners were seniors last year, so we will be a younger team this year, and I hope to bring senior leadership to the team and lead by example,” Barber said. “We are very excited with our move to 5A, and we have high expectations for the upcoming season.”

Barber is also a member of the Pep boys, Earth club, Red jackets, Best buddies, Spanish honors society, and, of course, track and field, and said he has some definite plans for the offseason.

“We are moving up to higher mileage over the summer and to quote Coach Carter, ‘We want to go further, go shorter faster, and then go further faster,’” Barber said. “Several team members will be attending a running camp in west Texas to work with some the best coaches and compete with some of the best runners in the state of Texas.”

To have a successful season in 2016, Barber said it will take an all-around team effort.

“It will take a complete team effort with each member of the team pushing each other everyday in practice and to show up to compete at each meet,” Barber said.

This story was originally published July 20, 2016 at 9:50 AM with the headline "Panthers distance runner takes on leadership role."