At 5:15 each morning, while much of Weatherford is still asleep, Keon Lackey is already preparing to chase the runners ahead of him. By 6 a.m., the Weatherford High School junior is at practice, beginning another day built around mileage, discipline and the belief that there is always another level to reach.
Lackey competes in cross country and track for the Eagles, racing in the 5K during cross country season and the 800-meter run, 1,600 meters, 3,200 meters and 4×800-meter relay on the track. His motivation is simple: knowing there are athletes somewhere running faster than he is.
“It motivates me to know that there are people out there that are better than me and I need to catch them,” Lackey said.
That outlook fuels a demanding schedule. Lackey wakes early for morning practice, attends school throughout the day and often returns to training during seventh hour or after school. Some days, practice can stretch into the evening, requiring him to balance the physical demands of distance running with his responsibilities in the classroom.
“Lots of running, training, early mornings, late nights,” Lackey said. “I wake up at 5:15 a.m. for 6 a.m. practice, go to school all day and then we will either have practice during seventh hour or after school at 8 p.m.”
His commitment produced one of the biggest moments of his career last fall, when he earned All-State recognition in cross country. While that accomplishment gave him confidence, Lackey is not satisfied with stopping there. His eventual goal is to win a state championship.
Coach Kaleb Fischer has been a key influence throughout Lackey’s running career. Fischer introduced him to the sport and has continued to motivate him from middle school into high school. Several Weatherford teachers, Mrs. Copeland, Mrs. Waldrop and Coach Sossoman, also make an impact by following his progress and encouraging him to succeed both academically and athletically.
Lackey values the competitive environment around him. In cross country, he said the entire varsity team helps push one another to improve. In track workouts, friendly competition with teammate Henry Davis often provides extra motivation.
“I don’t like losing to him when we do workouts together, and it makes me go faster,” Lackey said.
He also praised teammate Tucker Habekott, whose summer work has prepared him for a strong season. Away from competition, Lackey is involved in Key Club and National Honor Society. He stays up late after practice to complete schoolwork and makes up assignments missed for meets.
When Lackey steps to the starting line in a Weatherford jersey, he feels the weight and pride of representing his hometown.
“It is an honor to wear the jersey and to be the person that gets to represent my hometown in that moment,” he said.
