Junior Shaun Atkins is one of four medalists and six state qualifiers back for the Wagoner track team this spring along with fourth-year coach Ryan Keenom. Atkins was on the mile relay team that medaled last year and on three relay teams that qualified for the state meet. This year, according to Keenom, Atkins will run the anchor leg on the 400, 800 and mile relay teams as well as the 200- and 400-meter sprints.

“I think one of the biggest areas of improvement I’ve seen for Shaun this year has been developing a love for the weight room,” said Keenom. “He works extremely hard in there and has changed his body physically getting a lot bigger and stronger.”

Though only a junior, both coach and runner acknowledge Atkins’ leadership ability.

“He’s one of our older guys in terms of leadership and experience,” said Keenom. “We don’t have any senior sprinters and so he sets a good example for all of the freshmen and sophomores we have by showing up every day ready to go to work.”

Atkins feels that motivating others to be their best is a big part of what he likes to provide as a team leader.

“I think a leader is someone who motivates everybody to finish and not quit when you’re almost there. I can be vocal when I think someone can do better but I also like to show them how to do things better and master techniques like controlling your breathing while you’re running,” said Atkins who is also a wide receiver and defensive back on the Bulldog football team as well as playing basketball.

Atkins has set a goal of running in the low 50 second range in the 400 and around 23 seconds in the 200 at a minimum this year in what promises to be a good year for Bulldog track according to the coach.

“With all of our experience returning I think we have a chance to be pretty good this year. I think all of our relay teams should qualify for state and have a chance to be on the podium and I think Shaun will do well in either or both the 200- and 400-meter sprints.”