Daniella Trujillo is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism Student assigned to cover Centennial High School for AZPreps365.com

For senior Captain Tristen Coyle, family is the biggest motivation to continue to run in college.

Coyle said when he was in second grade, he wanted to run because his older brother did. 

“In third grade, when I started running, I was just trying to beat him in everything," Coyle said.

But when his grandfather passed in fourth grade, running then became his way to honor him.

“My grandpa was one the people that got me into running and I kept going for him,” Coyle said. “Now that I am in high school, I wanted to continue running to beat my brother’s records. I am still running now because I want to run in college.

“My wallpaper has both [Arizona State University] and [University of Arizona] and my goals, so every time I wake up and I hit 'stop' on my alarm, I see it and it helps me think of what I need to do to accomplish those goals."

As a senior captain, Coyle said there are challenges, but wants to make this experience enjoyable and to lead by example.

“I mess around a lot and you should have fun doing a sport,” Coyle said. “Not everyone likes running, but you can make it enjoyable. Whatever I expect out of the team, I expect out of myself. I would never say to do this and not do the same.” 

Boys cross-country coach Mike White says that Coyle has grown as a leader and continues to improve.

“He was pretty raw as a leader,” White said. “We have had a lot of discussion building on patience, how to motivate others without sounding bossy or demanding, and he has come a long way being a leader.”

Not only is Coyle a role model to others on the team, he has aided the other senior captain on the team, Isaiah Fastrup. 

“Tristen has been there, during times I wanted to drop out, he has been constantly keeping us from dropping off and pushing us forward,” Fastrup said. “ He is a very driven and hard-working guy. I respect him a lot for that."

Coyle said they want to go after school records and to go to the state meet.

“Running is something that builds character and it is not for everyone," Coyle said. "To wake up at 4 or 5 in the morning all summer and run every day for hours -- not everyone likes doing that. But it builds who are you because you have determination and dedication for whatever you want to do.”