For Idabel’s Cassidy Pondexter, every run has purpose. With a clear vision for what he wants to achieve, this junior cross-country runner isn’t just chasing miles—he’s chasing a dream. “To do my best and make it to state,” Cassidy said of his personal goals heading into the season. It’s not about perfection, it’s about progress—and he’s ready to work for it.
Much of that work began in the offseason, where the team’s mindset took a major leap forward. “We stick together,” Cassidy said. “That’s the biggest change this year.” Whether its early morning runs or tough afternoon practices, the Wolves are tackling every challenge side by side.
That togetherness is paying off in workouts. “We all have improved,” Cassidy said, crediting the team’s growth to consistency and effort. “Everyone’s working harder, and it shows.”
The ultimate goal? “To make it to state and be at least top five” he said. Cassidy knows it won’t come easy, but the team’s dedication is setting the stage for something special. “At practice I focus on more mental toughness workouts,” he said. “It’s not just physical—it’s in your head, too.”
When it’s time to race, Cassidy has a simple but powerful mindset. “To calm down—you got this,” he reminds himself. That mental clarity helps him navigate the course and the competition. “When I’m reading the course, I’m looking for the directions. It helps me stay prepared and focused.”
Cassidy believes the team’s courage is what sets them apart. “That’s our biggest strength,” he said. “And people might not know this, but our bond is very strong.”
Cassidy’s favorite memories are a compilation of team support: “Any moment when we all encourage each other before a race.”
He wants to leave more than a stat line behind at Idabel. “I want my legacy to be one of their fastest runners,” Cassidy said. But he also hopes to be remembered for who he was off the course—a teammate, a friend, and someone who chased his goals with everything he had.
The song that gets him ready for a meet? “Timmy Turner by Desiigner.”
After high school, Cassidy plans to attend college and focus on his dreams.
