The sound of crunching gravel fills the air as senior Theo Kessler rounds the final turn of the cross-country course, his strides strong and steady. For four years, Kessler has been a key part of the high school’s cross-country and track teams. Now, he’s taking his talent to the next level at Trinity College.

Kessler, a long-distance specialist and captain of the boys varsity track and cross-country teams, joined the program as a freshman and has competed in 11 of the 12 possible seasons, playing a key role in the team’s success.

Kessler’s dedication has not gone unnoticed by his team. Senior Illan Lucinski Williams, both a long-time friend and fellow runner, has witnessed Kessler’s growth firsthand.

“When we were freshmen, I was faster than him, but he committed himself to getting better and worked his way up. Now he’s a huge part of our team’s success,” Williams said.

Kessler’s hard work paid off this year as he played a crucial role in securing the Warriors’ third consecutive cross-country state championship. Although he had never previously raced at states due to the team’s depth, he said this season marked a breakthrough for him, cementing his place among the program’s top runners.

Kessler’s commitment to running extends beyond competing. He credits much of his growth to boys varsity track head coach Michael Glennon, who taught Kessler the important values of discipline and consistency.

“Coach Glennon demands 100 percent from us every day. Showing up isn’t optional. That mindset has carried over to other parts of my life, like school,” Kessler said.

With that same determination, Kessler has decided to continue his athletic career at Trinity College. With both of his parents having attended Trinity, he already had a connection to the school, but it was the coach’s vision and the team’s potential that appealed to Kessler.

“The Trinity coach was the best one I talked to 一 super nice [and] knowledgeable, and he’s really changed the program over the past few years. Their best athletes are freshmen and sophomores, so I’m excited to be part of that growth,” Kessler said.

While the transition to college athletics will bring new challenges, Kessler said he is eager to tackle them.

“I love running, so I wanted to keep doing it in any way possible, whether through a team or a club. Competing in college gives me that opportunity, and I am excited to be a part of a team from day one,” Kessler said.

Glennon said Trinity is the ideal fit for Kessler’s skill set and mindset.

“I think a division III program like Trinity is perfect for someone like Theo,” Glennon said.

Williams highlighted Kessler’s impressive drive and focus, noting that his work ethic will serve him well at the next level.

“He holds himself to such a high standard. He’s disciplined and knows what he wants. I have no doubt he’ll succeed at Trinity,” Williams said.

Despite injuries and setbacks along the way, including an Achilles injury and appendicitis at the start of this season, Williams said Kessler has remained resilient.

“He understands setbacks are part of the process. He doesn’t dwell on what could have been. He just focused on what’s next,” Williams said.

As he looks ahead to his future at Trinity, Kessler remains focused on continuing to push himself to be the best he can be.

“I just want to stay healthy and keep improving,” Kessler said. “As long as I put in the work, I know I’ll get better.”