Growing up, Whitehall’s Kihan Resto always enjoyed running. He does have a unique introduction with the activity.

“During my younger days, I was a boy running during baseball or with my dad in the forests of Puerto Rico,” recalled Resto. “I always looked forward to it. Never did I dread the activity. Generally, I did enjoy running.”

Resto will be one the Zephyrs’ senior runners this fall. Head coach Brandon Hampton expects Resto to make an impact. He abandoned a 12-year baseball career in the spring to join Whitehall’s track team.

“Kihan has been a member of the team since freshman year, and has steadily improved each season,” noted Hampton. “This past spring, he finally came out for track after playing baseball his freshman and sophomore years. He had a really solid spring and we’re hoping the experience on the track propels him both physically and mentally for a strong senior cross country season.”

In his sophomore season, Resto set his personal record at 20:22. Last season, his best mark was 20:23.70.

Unfortunately, Resto didn’t see last season as a positive one. However, he did see a change.

“Last year, cross country was quite a mystery,” pondered Resto. “I didn’t really feel like I got anywhere. Only when I quit baseball to do track did I begin to feel a change. It is generally much easier to do certain activities now than before so I would say so.”

In the process, Resto has worked to maintain a positive outlook. He does like running with the smell of chocolate in the air during the season and postseason.

“Confidence in my running comes and goes, and it’s mostly in your head,” offered Resto. “Even though I certainly am not the best in the field, I felt more confident during a race within Hershey Park. Most dread it, but the good memories of the bad days there just push my determination to get through it with joy more than any other place has.”

During races, Resto strives to have music work in his favor.

“I initially attempt to clear my head of any voice,” said Resto. ”The mind tends to grasp anything when at races. I stretch and attempt to keep them hot and ready for the race.

“Finally if I can maintain it, I try to keep a rhythm from a song in my head. Music is a big passion for me and sometimes some songs carry the timing of my steps which helps not focus so much on the race.”

Overall, Resto has been guided by coaches, but he has developed his own approach.

“I haven’t really had someone change my ways within the sport,” said Resto. “It’s always remained consistent and really my own ability to make changes to my thinking.”

Hampton is confident Resto can have a successful season and play a major role in the team’s development.

“He will be one of our seniors that leads a promising, younger group on the boys side that looks to compete and improve from last year,” beamed Hampton. “Kihan’s competitiveness is one of his most admirable traits, and we’re hoping that he takes the next step by believing in himself, his abilities, and his training, to cap off his high school cross country career.”