The Sapulpa Chieftains track team has been cruising early this season under the leadership of coach James Burkhalter Jr. and his senior leaders, especially hurdler and high jumping senior, Faith Wickliffe. Wickliffe has been running cross country and track since middle school which is where she was introduced to the hurdle races. “I ran hurdles for the first time in 7th grade as kind of a joke,” explained Wickliffe. “It turned out that I could do it pretty well. My junior high coach told me to try it out and I have loved it ever since. As I got older, different coaches have worked with me on my form and I’ve gotten pretty good.” Hurdles is not the only event that Faith competes in for the Chieftains. Just last year, as a junior, she tried the high jump and found that she had some natural skills in that competition as well. “I used to be shorter so the high jump really intimidated me, but one summer I grew a lot so I decided to try it,” joked Wickliffe. “It turned out that I could do it pretty well and coach Burk has put a lot of work into making me better.” Being a senior and competing in two events can cause some stress on an athlete but Wickliffe happily accepts the role as a leader on the track for the younger runners. “It’s weird to finally be a senior and the one that’s looked up to because for so long I was looking up to all these other amazing runners,” said Faith. “Leaders are who people will follow, that’s just how it works. I want to make sure that I’m a good role model and keep a good connection with the younger kids, because they will be the leaders eventually. If I set a good example, that can be passed down for years to come.” The term “student-athlete” is very important to Wickliffe, with an emphasis on student. Not only does she run two events for the Sapulpa track team but she also maintains a 4.0 GPA and is a member of National Honor Society and Student Council. She was also a member of the dance team for most of her high school career and says that dancing is her passion as well. Wickliffe plans to attend the University of Oklahoma after high school but right now she is focused on running hard for the Chieftains. She hopes to take them far this season and leave a legacy of success for the younger runners to strive for. “I really think this year is going to be a good one for us,” said a hopeful Wickliffe. “It’s early so we still have people coming over after their fall sports, but once we have our full team, it will be great. And I have no doubt that Sapulpa will still be successful when I leave. We have an amazing coaching staff that only wants the best for everyone and we all act like one big family.”