VYPE: Thachor, what grade are you in and when did you start competing in cross country?
Thachor Bettis: I am a Junior, and I started competing in XC the August of my 8th grade year.
VYPE: How do you prepare yourself mentally to compete?
TB: When I’m getting ready to compete, I listen to my music and clear my head. If I have anything on my mind, most of the time I don’t run/compete well.
VYPE: Did you have a teammate who really impressed you this season?
TB: All of the freshman boys have really surprised me this season. Even for optional runs mainly for varsity, they would still be there running with us.
VYPE: Do you have a favorite memory that stands out as a runner for WHS?
TB: My favorite memory as a Westmoore runner is when our JV and varsity boys got team victories at the Norman Summer Showcase meet this year.
VYPE: What makes being a student-athlete at WHS special to you?
TB: WHS is a great school to be a student-athlete at because the teachers are supportive and understanding when it comes to the load of being a student athlete. They try not to assign homework that much so we can focus on our sports too.
VYPE: Who on the team keeps everyone laughing and who is the most serious?
TB: I’m going to have to say a senior Isaac Chavez is probably the funniest and the most serious. He makes me laugh a lot at practice, but he is serious at the same time.
VYPE: Do you have a favorite subject and a favorite teacher in school?
TB: My favorite subject is Honors Pre Calc and Trig mainly because of the teacher Mrs. Schwarz. She is also a runner and is always asking me about how the season is going.
VYPE: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
TB: The best advice I’ve ever received is probably “trust your training” or anything the coaches say to me when I’m racing. The phrase just gives me a sense of comfort and another reason to believe in myself.
VYPE: What are the plans for life after high school?
TB: After high school, I want to go into either civil engineering or sports broadcasting and start a family. Along with this, I will continue to run and compete in community 5ks as well as the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.
