Tavon Underwood leads the way for new track athletes
Athlete Tavon Underwood (’23) recently committed to Kansas State to study engineering and continue his running career
Tavon Underwood (’23) is making big steps towards his future plans.
Tavon Underwood (‘23) has been running track and field since he was ten years old.
During his time at Mead High, Underwood has greatly contributed to the athletics program with his involvement in both track and soccer. One of his favorite memories from his high school athletic career was “when [he] set the school record in the four by two at State [his] sophomore year”.
As an upperclassman he worked to “[help] out younger athletes and students [find] their way and [balance] school and track”.
Like any athlete, Underwood has had setbacks. “[He’s] had quite a few injuries” during these past couple of seasons.
“Last year I had a quad injury that affected most of my season, which definitely took a toll on me,” he said.
Along with injuries, he has had “some family setbacks, and COVID obviously took a big hit on [him].” “But at this point I’ve definitely bounced back,” said Underwood.
He also mentioned how much running track helped him bounce back not only around the track, but also in the classroom.
All around, Underwood has been pretty successful with his athletics. He recently ran in Nike Indoor Nationals, describing this experience as “the last indoor meet [over the winter] where more gifted athletes run”. Tavon ended up winning the 400 meter, which was a “pretty big moment… for [him]”.
He believes everyone should join track because “it’s not only a sport, it builds internal fortitude and character as well”.
He continued, “It’s one of those sports that is all about mentality. I’m able to work past my struggles and adversity.”
When looking at schools, he wanted to keep his focus on attending a university that had his major. Underwood said that he is “interested in engineering and leaning more [about] mechanical or chemical engineering”.
After visiting a variety of colleges like Arizona State, Colorado University of Boulder, and Kansas State, Underwood announced his commitment to Kansas State. He will be running track and continuing his academic career there as well.
We wish Tavon good luck in his future athletic and academic career.
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Ethan is a junior and this is his first year in Journalism. He enjoys playing hockey. He hopes to expand people’s knowledge on sports.
Jorja Haskin is a senior. This is her second year in journalism and her first as an editor. She enjoys playing softball, working with her peers and younger students, and getting involved in her community. This year, she is working to help her fell0w students in any way she can.
