Idabel’s Colby Scott – Cross Country Spotlight – Presented by Work Ready Oklahoma

As just a freshman, Colby Scott has already set his sights on the highest stage of competition. “To win state as a freshman,” Scott said. That goal is bold, but for an athlete who has already collected more than 44 medals between cross country and track before even reaching high school, it’s not out of reach.

Part of what makes the transition to high school competition smoother for Scott is the support system around him. “It’s been very good, they have been very encouraging,” he said. That encouragement has fueled his confidence as he continues to grow and push himself against tougher fields.

The hard work is paying off as Scott and his teammates continue to progress together. “We’ve been getting better and better,” he said. That steady improvement has him confident in what this year can bring. “To make it to regionals, qualify and then win state as a team,” Scott said of their collective goals.

Daily preparation plays a huge role in his performance. “The workouts we do during the week really do help prepare us,” Scott said. But he remains humble about his role. “I don’t know, I am just a part of the team,” he said.

When it comes to race day strategy, Scott keeps things simple. “I don’t really look for anything. I just wait for the race and try to dominate,” he said. That competitive fire is matched by his pre-race routine. “I eat a good dinner the night before, eat fruit for breakfast, and stretch really well,” he said. Once the race begins, his focus sharpens. “I lock into the race and either set the pace or find it then I just run most of the time. I can tell if I have the race or not.”

His mindset extends beyond just one meet or one season. “To be known for being great at all sports he was in,” Scott said of the legacy he hopes to leave. And his team is showing that same hunger. “We have a good hardworking team and so far, we are undefeated,” he said.

Scott has already produced impressive results. “My first race this year was two miles, and my time was 10:11,” he said. “Two-mile, I was 2nd with a time of 10:10. Lost by 5 seconds. Two and a half-mile, 1st place, won by 23 seconds with a time of 13:18.”