As a seasoned athlete, Craig Barber (9) is already contributing Franklin’s athletic community. So far, as a junior varsity cross country member, he has helped his team win districts, and despite being just at the beginning of swim season, he has found success in the breaststroke at meets.
Craig started swimming at age seven, and he began running in middle school. “My parents signed me up and I continued with both sports because it was fun to compete against other people and try to be the best that you can,” said Barber. “I’d say I am in it for the self-improvement.”
Barber’s goal of self-improvement is evident throughout more than just his athletic accomplishments. He has also set rigorous academic goals. Barber aspires to earn a 4.0 and continue to advance in Franklin’s woods, metals, and math courses. He is even in AP Calculus this year, a class consisting mostly of seniors. Outside of class, he participates in the Science Bowl, an academic club. There, he prepares to enter a question-and-answer style competition. “I like the club because it really lets you see who knows the most,” stated Barber. “It is also kind of a test to see how fast you think. It is encouraging.”
While his interests seem centered around his own improvement, Barber has also contributed to tight knit and supportive team environments. At the end of the cross country season, he was voted by his team as the most inspirational teammate. Even outside of his cross country team, this is apparent. “We have one of the best freshman classes, from a distance running standpoint, and Craig is a contributing member to that, not only for his speed, but his leadership,” varsity cross country runner Will Eaton (12) claimed. “People look up to Craig because he puts in what he needs to do. We have runners that are more talented than Craig, but they just won’t work … like Craig will, and that is really inspirational.”
