Norman's Tyler Box – Academic Athlete Presented by Republic Bank & Trust

By John Tranchina

Last year, as a junior, Tyler Box (pictured below, center) noticed there was a void in leadership on the Norman track and field team and he took it upon himself to fill the gap.

Now as a senior, Box continues to serve as a respected leader with an impressive work ethic.

“On the team last year, we went through a huge coaching change and we didn’t really have any real team leaders, so I went ahead and stepped up,” said Box, who runs the 400, as well as the 4 x 400 and 4 x 800 relays. “And what I run, we kind of have our own little, ‘no cliques on the team,’ but I run mid-distance, and all those guys and girls, I try to be the good example, because we don’t really ever have a coach hawking over us. And I try to keep interactions with the other parts of the team, to keep the team moving together, getting along.

“It’s not too hard, when you like people and you like dealing with people, and working hard.”

Part of his leading by example also extends to the classroom, where Box has compiled a “3.9-something” weighted GPA – another responsibility he takes seriously.

“I treat school like a job,” he said. “Anything in my life, I try to do whole-heartedly, and that includes school. So I make sure I do my best, in and out of the classroom.”

Further demonstrating his team-first approach, Box cited as one of his goals for the upcoming season that he’d like to see the Tigers’ 4 x 800 relay team “to get up on that podium at the (Class 6A) State Games this year.”

“What we love about Tyler is that he is very coachable and has a desire to get better and maximize his potential,” said Norman track and field coach Scott Monnard. “Tyler is a high-character young man. Not only is he a good leader who leads by example, but we know that he is getting it done in the classroom, too, evidenced by him making all As this year.”