By Payton Moody
VYPE: Who has been your favorite coach throughout your career and how did they impact you as a player?
Kyson Jefferson: Both of my coaches have impacted me by telling me “Never give up” and “give it everything you got.” But I would have to say my middle school teacher from Denison, Mrs B. She introduced me to the sport and even when I wanted to quit, she kept motivating me to never give up. She then put me into the hands of Coach Harjo and that’s how I became good at the sport.
VYPE: Did you have any teammates that you admire or that supported you?
KJ: Yes, Baker Hoskins and Christian Coffman. We all cheered each other on, always gave each other advice and always helped each other. I really enjoy having them as teammates.
VYPE: Who was your favorite teacher and how were they influential in your life?
KJ: My middle school teacher, Mr. Blackard. He’s an all-time favorite teacher of mine and is always giving your life lessons. He taught me how the real-world works.
VYPE: What preparation have you taken this off-season to better equip yourself for the upcoming season?
KJ: The preparation I took was getting into this program called PACE. It’s where you run 5k’s every Saturday during the summer or whenever they have 5k’s. I ran at those, and I used it like a Pre-Season cross country meet, getting me ready for the season. There was also some very tough competition there.
VYPE: What has your sport taught you that you use in your daily life?
KJ: Cross country has taught me no matter how hard it gets to never give up and to keep pushing ‘til the end.
VYPE: What has been your favorite memory in your sport?
KJ: When we went to the State XC Meet, it was very fun. The bus ride, we stayed in the hotels, chilled and had fun.
VYPE: What do you hope to accomplish this season (individual or team goals)?
KJ: This year, I want to see us in the Top 10 at state. I know that’s a lot to ask for, but I see that this team is very skilled and in very good shape right now. As the season progresses, we will get even better.
VYPE: What matchup are you most looking forward to this season?
KJ: Our home Idabel meet, I’m ready to get out and show out in front of our home fans.
VYPE: What are your plans after high school?
KJ: Haven’t decided yet, but I will soon.
