VYPE: How long have you played your sports, and what first got you interested in them?

Dayton: Three years in track and cross country, but competing in running events for eight years. I started training with my mom for her events and asked her to find some for me to compete in. Basketball, 11 years, a family sport.

VYPE: What is the best part about playing sports in high school?

Dayton: Teaching discipline and physical prowess while building friendships.

VYPE: Do you have a favorite opponent to compete against? If so, why?

Dayton: Carson Pendley, because he is a teammate that I train with and we push each other going back and forth for top spot on the team.

VYPE: What do your teammates mean to you?

Dayton: They are a group of friends that train and push me to be my best and become some of my most challenging competitors come race day.

VYPE: What is your favorite memory competing?

Dayton: I was sick all morning on the day of the cross country regionals meet. I ran the race dehydrated and feeling awful because I didn’t want to let my team down. It wasn’t my fastest time, but it was the most challenging race I have done. I collapsed after I crossed the finish line and a few competitors stepped around me, giving them my finish time. We missed qualifying for state due to my competitors time being recorded incorrectly. After a video review and multiple phone calls my time was corrected and Pryor High School qualified for state in cross country for the first time in 20 years. 

VYPE: Is there anyone you look up to as a role model, and why?

Dayton: My mom, for her work ethic and she always laid down a great foundation.

VYPE: What are your plans after high school?

Dayton: Earn an athletic scholarship and compete at collegiate level.