WICHITA, Kan.—
Dan Vu, a senior at Wichita East, began running as a freshman. Also a part of the International Baccalaureate program, Vu has had to find the balance between school and athletics in high school. He began running as a way to make friends and also find a balance between school and health.
“My best friends are from the cross country team,” said Vu. “Running is a way for me to relieve stress, have fun with friends and stay healthy.”
Vu has gained the reputation of being the funny guy on the team. His antics include arriving at practice dressed as a teletubby, bringing popsicles for the whole team and helping junior Jake Faflick put assistant coach Darham Rogers’ classroom supplies in Jell-O.
"Dan always seems to bring laughter to the team by doing odd things,” said senior Savana Cross. “He brought the whole team closer together and made practice much more enjoyable."
Despite his silly antics at practice, Vu is a top notch student in the school. This fall, he was named a national merit semifinalist along with seven other Wichita East students.
Vu attributes his success both on the course and in the classroom to the support he has received from both teachers and peers at the school.
“Our coaches are always there and they make it fun,” said Vu. “They understand what we go through and are always helping us be the best that we can.”
Vu plans on running track this spring in his final year as a Blue Ace.
