“When I write my memoir, I will title it: Yes, This is my real hair color,” senior Tyler Green proudly states. Green is a quirky, dedicated track athlete, an extremely involved and passionate RA, and overall has a huge presence at our school. With his track career finally over, Green reflects on his experience and all the events that led up to where he is today.
Born and raised in Portland, Ore., Green can’t stress enough how much the city means to him. The location of his upbringing strongly influenced the charismatic, empathetic, and outgoing person he is today.
“I was surrounded by the best people possible, whether that’s my family, friends, acquaintances, or strangers,” Green said. “I have been taught that kindness is the best way to address and help people (along with good food), and I could not be happier to call Portland home.”
He attended high school in Portland as well, and it was there that he got involved with running track. “I had already planned on running track after basketball season,” said Green. “But my basketball coach also happened to be the track coach and really wanted me to sprint.” He ran one JV meet and won every event he ran; from then on, he ran varsity track.
“Track meets are always so positive, with this being especially prominent in high school,” Green said. “My mom, dad, sister, grandma, uncle, and cousins would be at every single meet, with my grandma coming to tears at nearly every meet for who knows why and my uncle coaching me my senior year.”
From high school to college, track remained an important aspect in Green’s life. “While track is an individual sport, I have loved the relationships I have built with various people by way of track,” Green said. “Track has made me appreciate the talent and work ethic that individuals have when they choose to participate; everyone’s least favorite part of playing a sport is conditioning, yet for track that’s all you do.”
Green claims that track has given him a greater sense of self-motivation in all aspects of his life. “While college has been a little frustrating in that I did not accomplish everything I set out for, I am able to say that I grew leaps and bounds as a person as a result of track.”
And it’s a two way street: Green has benefited from running track and the track program has also benefited from Green’s presence.
“The rest of our sprint squad is fully made up of freshmen,” freshman Justin Nguyen said. “Tyler leads our practices and stretches, always gives the group emotional support, and frequently reminds us of how proud he is of us.” Nguyen admits that track would have been a completely different experience if it weren’t for Green.
Green is cognizant of his responsibility as the only senior and takes pride in having a leadership role on the team. “I am aware that my younger teammates are paying attention to pretty much everything I am doing, so I want to make sure that I am setting them up for success,” Green said. “All of that starts with the little things – showing up to practice early, getting treatment before and after practice, bringing positive energy everyday, sending goofy messages in our group message, getting meals together, etc.; everything plays a part to the success of everyone.”
Green admits that being without this group next year really will be difficult for him, but it puts a huge smile on his face to know that they will stick with one another throughout college careers. “Track is a sport that is difficult on your mind and body, but when taken on as a team, the possibilities are endless,” he says.
Though Green’s track career has come to an end, he knows his experiences will have a great impact on his future. “Next year, I will be in Boston working for City Year, which is an AmeriCorps organization that collaborates with inner-city schools to assist youth for the school year,” Green said. “Track has taught me to be patient with myself, and if I can be patient with all of the craziness that comes with me being me, I will be more than prepared at the exciting prospect of working with youth.”