Washburn Rural's Isaiah Terry Ready To Contend For Kshsaa State Title In 400-meter Dash

TOPEKA — The 400-meter dash is one of the most grueling races. It combines speed and power with endurance and perseverance, and the very best sprinters can use all four attributes. 

The Topeka area’s finest 400-meter runner has all of these traits and more. Washburn Rural’s Isaiah Terry has been torching his opponents this year. He explodes off the blocks, and he gets faster as the race continues, culminating in a fierce final 50 meters. 

“I like that everyone agrees that it’s the worst event,” Terry said. “When you’re good at it, you get the most respect.”

Terry has been receiving respect from across the state this year. He clocked a time of 48.20 at the Seaman Relays earlier this month. The time ranks first in Class 6A and which also places him third fastest in the state. 

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Last week, Terry claimed the Joe Schrag City title in the event. He went toe-to-toe with Hayden’s Jensen Schrickel, who is also a top-tier athlete and holds the fourth fastest time in the state. 

In the end, it was Terry’s power down the stretch that carried him to the victory.

“We all wanted it, it was just fun,” Terry said. “I love the competition. I don’t like racing when I know I’m going to win, it’s not as much fun for me. I like racing people that are good.”

Terry’s climb to the top of Class 6A has been one full of dedication. He put himself to the test in the offseason and trained even harder during the winter months. The senior was not just practicing hard, but he was putting together impressive times in the indoor circuit. 

“I took two weeks off of state, and then every single day from then on I’ve been training,” Terry said. “I’ve been working year-round.”

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Terry has credited his success to an emphasis on sleep and nutrition. It’s been a game-changer for him. He’s working hard while allowing himself to recover and fuel. 

The results of his dedication are showing. He’s won every 400-meter dash race this season except for his third-place finish at the highly touted KU Relays. 

“I’m more endurance-based. I tend to get out slow, but I’ve been working on trying to get out more,” Terry said. “Every 100, I try to surge a little bit because your body naturally slows down because you're getting tired. You have to activate the brain again.”

With postseason approaching, Terry is focused more than ever on the gold medal in the 400. Last season, he helped Washburn Rural win the 1600-meter relay while also earning fifth individually. That wasn’t good enough for him with his goals firmly set on contending for the title in Wichita. 

“After last year’s performance, I’m not going to accept a loss again,” Terry said. 

Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: KSHSAA track: Washburn Rural's Isaiah Terry attacks the 400-meter dash