WOOD RIVER - LeBron Reed is entering his senior season with the East Alton-Wood River Oilers for track and field and plans to continue his running career in college, building on what he described as a breakthrough year in cross country.
Reed said the success of his first full cross-country season this past fall helped lead to the Alton Road Runners Club EAWR Runner of the Year honor and now the Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete Of The Month recognition.
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“I believe that the success of my first full season of cross country last year is what got me these honors,” Reed said. He called cross country “a physically and mentally demanding sport” and said that, with help from his coaches, he “was able to pull through the season.”
Reed said this track and field season will be his third running the sport. While he enjoys competition, he said the experience extends beyond races.
“Though racing is fun, I think the conversations we sometimes have during practice is the most enjoyable part of it,” Reed said.
He credited family and coaches for helping him along the way.
“I want to give a very special thank you to my aunt, who took me in and allowed me to join a team of amazing people,” Reed said. He also thanked long-time Oilers head boys and girls cross-country and track coach Russ Colona, along with Nick and Logan. He said the following about his coaches: “Through my coaches, I have learned that running requires consistency and lots of hard work.”
Reed said the lessons from cross country and track have shaped how he approaches life away from sports.
“These two sports teach the importance of consistency and patience,” he said. “I have now begun teaching myself that these ideas go beyond sports, but the real world as well.”
After high school, Reed said he will continue in track and cross country at Illinois College in Jacksonville. He said he is interested in majoring in history and education and plans to pursue further education “to become a professor.”
Outside of athletics, Reed said he spends his free time with history-related interests, including “history books, movies, or documentaries.”
