Get to know Byron Nelson XC runner, Trophy Club area resident Mathias Peterson
TROPHY CLUB, Texas — “Anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” Steve Prefontaine
As Mathias Peterson is inspired by Steve Prefontaine, he has a message for all aspiring young athletes: We will love to have you if you are interested in joining cross country. This is a great sport to build friendships and memories. No matter how fast you run, there is a place on the team. It is not about winning but doing your best every day and keep showing up.
Background
Mathias Peterson: I run cross country for Byron Nelson High school. I started running in 7th grade but did not enjoy running competitively until this past summer. Then, I realized that if I ran, I could challenge myself, open myself up to more possibilities, and push myself to do things I never thought I could. The challenge in competitive running is physical but also mental, and I like being able to push myself to see what I can do.
Achievements
Peterson: The first time I found that I had potential was in May 2022, when I ran a PR in a mile with very little training. After that race, I wanted to see what I could be as a runner. Byron Nelson has great cross country coaches; Head Coach Grennie, Coach Benton, and Coach Key are building a team to improve as an individual and team every day. The coaches work hard to make us love to run and support each other as a unified team at Byron Nelson.
Teammates
Peterson: I value them all on the same page and work hard daily, but I also know how to relax and have fun. In the classroom, I try to stay focused and on task.
Sports Hero
Peterson: My running hero is Steve Prefontaine. He has hard work and dedication, proving that if you put your mind to anything, you can accomplish it. Outside of Running would be Kobe because of his mental side of the game.
Teams & College
Peterson: I would like to attend the University of Oregon to run and study to become a teacher and a coach. (The photo of Matthias with the other gentleman is Reed Brown) Reed Brown runs at Oregon and went to high school in Southlake. Reed Brown has a similar story to mine, and I was inspired to meet him and have my photo taken with him.
Rituals
Peterson: On the bus ride to a meet, I listen to my 80’s music, and then a few minutes before each race, I like to take a few minutes to visualize how I want to run the race.
School
Peterson: History and Geography. I like to learn how others live now and in the past. To learn about other parts of the world that have shaped us today. I like it when coaches and teachers can joke around. I can tell them anything and have a good relationship with them. The BNHS coaches coach you to where you want to go.
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