After missing an entire season because of a devastating ankle injury, Isak Howe has returned stronger than ever for Salina Central High School.
The senior runner has turned perseverance, discipline and leadership into a standout final high school track and field season while helping lead the Mustangs’ relay teams toward a potential state berth.
“My primary focus for this season was simply to continually improve each week, which I have been doing,” Howe said. “I wanted to break my record in the 400 from last year.”
He already accomplished that goal.
After running a personal-best 53.94 in the 400-meter dash last season, Howe recently posted a 52-second split in the 4×400 relay at the Salina Central Invitational on May 8. The Mustangs finished the race in 3:26.22, while the 4×800 relay team clocked an 8:32.55 — both among the top regional times and helping place the 4×400 among the top 20 times in Kansas across all classifications.
For Howe, the success is about much more than times on a stopwatch.
“What I would consider to be my strengths are leadership, integrity and perseverance,” Howe said. “Track is not only what you see during the races and practice. That is 5% of the total. Ninety-five percent is shown outside of the meets and the practices — the food that you eat, how much sleep you earn each night, and the recovery time and routines implemented each day.”
That commitment became especially important after Howe suffered a triplane fracture in his left ankle along with a torn Achilles tendon on the same foot during his sophomore year. The injury forced him to miss the entire season and required seven months of recovery.
“I am thankful where I am at currently because I know what it is like to be brought low as I was,” Howe said. “My heart is filled with gratitude to even be able to continue walking again, so I am very blessed to have the opportunity to continue running my senior year.”
Howe said much of his improvement this season came from focusing on the technical aspects of running. He worked extensively on posture, cadence and running form while also dedicating extra time to stretching, recovery and strength training.
“It’s the small things that make up the bigger puzzle piece after all,” Howe said. “When you learn how to put all of the pieces together, it creates a beautiful picture.”
His dedication has helped him become one of Salina Central’s vocal leaders both on and off the track.
“I utilize this for my team by being uplifting day in and day out, not afraid to receive constructive criticism or learn things to help me improve, and always willing to lend others a hand if they need it,” Howe said.
The senior credits his faith as a major part of his journey and motivation throughout the season.
“Jesus taught us to love as He loves,” Howe said. “It is meant to be shared with the world.”
Now, Howe hopes to finish his high school career with a trip to the state meet after previously serving as an alternate on state-qualifying relay teams during his freshman and junior seasons.
“A successful season for my teammates, coaches and I would be to continue to improve each week and ultimately qualify for state and place high,” Howe said. “I would like to continue to push in these last few weeks toward state, running toward a 50-second 400 split in the 4×400.”
