“This is actually the best I’ve felt in all four of my years here,” Whitley said. “All the preparation—mentally, physically, and emotionally—I’ve put more into this season than any before. I’m very excited to see what happens next.”
Whitley’s passion for running began in childhood, though it wasn’t always a constant.
“I took a little break toward the end of elementary school,” he said. “But it just hurt my soul not to run anymore. So, Igot right back into it in middle school—and here I am now.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
That determination has paid off, as Whitley has become one of Eisenhower’s top sprinters.
When asked about his best event, he didn’t hesitate.
“The 400-meter dash is where I’m at my best,” he said. “It’s not my favorite, but it resonates with me the most. That race isn’t easy, so I can’t say I look forward to it—but I invite the challenge. It suits me best.”
While Whitley shines on the track, his goals stretch far beyond high school.
“If I got the opportunity to run in college, it would mean the world to me,” he said. “Not everyone gets that chance, so I’d be extremely grateful. I hope it’s somewhere in Texas, but if not, I won’t take it for granted. Even if I can’t run, I still plan to pursue mechanical engineering.”
Off the track, Whitley finds peace in an unexpected place—his aquarium.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I really enjoy taking care of it or just looking at it,” he shared. “Most people don’t expect it, but I’ve got shrimp in there and some plants that are really tough to care for. It’s something I’ve built, and I compare it to my track career. It takes discipline to make it work, but I’m committed—and I take pride in that.”
As his senior season unfolds, Whitley stays locked in on his goals, both on and off the track. With his mix of discipline, passion, and perspective, he’s on track to finish strong—and leave a legacy behind at Eisenhower.