Salute To Seniors: Rhett Butler - Bishop Kenny High School

What was your most memorable race/moment?
 

My most memorable race was probably the Pre-State Invitational this year. We'd been having a sort of off-season and just weren't clicking. That race, we stepped up and had four guys sub 17, including me. We won the race and I was ecstatic setting a PR and hoisting a trophy. We had a trophy dance and the rest of the day was just amazing. We had so much fun. It gave us confidence for the rest of the season. 

 

Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?

 

Alec Sharpe, hands down. We'd been so close to each other in terms of PRs for a long time and when I got injured junior year and he got sub 17 and varsity it was my motivation to come back strong this cross country season. 

What was your greatest accomplishment?

 

I think that being on varsity and going sub 17 were pretty big, but hands down my biggest accomplishment was signing to Berry College. I'm so proud to be a collegiate athlete because I never thought I would be. Running has taken me to places I never thought I would go. 

 

If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?

 

I would take it easy and not run myself into the ground so much. I would be patient and let the speed come rather than forcing it and I would cross train a whole lot more. 

 

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

 

I was very injury prone and mentally that had me always questioning if I should even be on the team and  if I deserved to toe the line with the varsity squad. I always had doubts and that is what plagued me more than the injuries. 

What will you miss the most?

I will miss the team and all the memories we made together. I'll miss Coach Currann. He's been like a father to me and he's gotten me through a lot of doubts and tough times. I will also miss my best friends, all the seniors on the team. 

What advice would you give to younger athletes?

Take it easy! Speed will come if you train smart and keep the faith. Always think of where you want to be, and if injury comes, remember where you once were and use the motivation to be there again to help you through tough times. Always lean on your teammates. hey're who you can always trust.

What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?

 

Coach Curran has been a rock and he's a constant motivator. Even when I'm not running well he's there with advice. He's a role model to me in terms of life outside running and I think he's a great man. I would count myself lucky if I I accomplished half of what he has. 

What are your college plans?

 

I'll be running for Berry College, and getting my degree in Biochemistry and hopefully a doctorate. 

 

Who would you like to say thank you to?

 
I would like to thank my teammates, Coach Curran, and my college teammates Matthew Walker, Ryan James, and my new coach Paul Deaton. 

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

I never thought that I would love this sport so much, so thank you to my parents for forcing me to try it out. I've fallen in love with this sport and it's amazing the places it's taken me, and where it will take me in the fall. Go Vikings and thank you Crusaders!