De Soto High School senior Travis Hodge received an honorable mention in the Kansas City Star’s All-Metro track and field team.

He received this award because of his 155.36 score in the 800 meter dash, in combination with his academic achievements.

“I had no idea I was going to win. [When I found out] my Mom made fun of me because they spelled my name wrong [in the publication],” Hodge said.

Hodge participates in track at DHS and also competes in soccer and cross country at the same time.

Hodge has participated in track since seventh grade, but it is his first year running cross country.

“I wanted to join cross country to show off my skill in more distance running for college recruitment,” Hodge said.

Since Hodge participates in soccer in the afternoon, he runs for cross country in the morning.

“I wish I could attend more practices with the team, since I usually only get to go to one practice a week with them when I don’t have soccer,” Hodge said.

Regardless of not being able to attend practices with the whole team, Hodge’s coaches still see him as a strong leader on the teams.

“The guys look up to him, as they do in track. He’s a great influence on the team, he really pumps them up,” said assistant cross country coach Katherine Wilber.

Hodge plans to continue running track at the collegiate level.

“[What motivates me] is to get into a good college, and I also have people I want to beat,” Hodge said.

Wilbur agrees that Hodge is very motivated.

“[Hodge] is a very gifted runner, and along with that he has dedication and hard work unlike any other athlete I’ve ever seen,” Wilber said. “It’s absolutely incredible to see somebody who is able to take the kind of classes he takes … and participate in soccer and cross country all in one.”

Hodge’s teammates and coaches are proud of his achievements and look forward to seeing what he will accomplish in college.