I’m a Tulsa Kid: David Annett

David Annett, senior, Metro Christian Academy
Winner of the Congressional Arts Contest, announced by Congressman John Sullivan
Track Standout: 6 individual 4A State Championships, 2011; 2010 & 2011 champion in Meet of Champions in 1600m (1 mi.) with a 2011 time of 4.21.35. 2010 4A Team Cross Country State Champions, 2010.

Q: You’ve received many accolades as an athlete, but recently you received a somewhat unexpected honor in art. Tell me about that.

A: I’m not an artist at all. Last year I decided to do art, and I really like it. My art teacher, Mrs. Vesanen, is good about entering students in contests. I finished this ink drawing of Philbrook the day before the [Congressional Arts Contest] entry was due and she entered it and I won. Editor’s note: David and his family will be flown to Washington, DC in June, courtesy of Southwest Airlines, for the Congressional Arts reception and his art will be on display in the United States Capitol Building for one year.

Q: The drawing is very detailed. How long did it take you to do it?

A: Everything I do is realistic and detailed. It took between 50 and 60 hours’ work. I apply the discipline I learned in running to art. A lot of people have more talent, but I work hard.

Q: You’ve only been doing art for two years. Was it hard to get started?

A: Up until two years ago, my life has been focused on academics and running. Art was a nice break. When I do something, I want to put everything into it, and I don’t want to sell myself short. I consider running to be creative, too. The human body and the human mind are capable of so much more than we imagine possible, and when you decide something is possible, you can do it.

Q: How is running creative for you?

A: Running is my passion. It is 100 percent physical and 100 percent mental. It has been one of the biggest influences in my life. We have devotionals at practice once or twice a week and we talk about how what we’re doing on the track and what we’re doing as a team can be applied in other ways. To me, it’s a perfect example for life. You’re pushing yourself more than you ever thought you could. You find out that who you are is more than you thought you could be. When you’re in a race, everyone is doing their best and is experiencing the same thing, regardless of their abilities – each person is trying for an individual best and striving to reach their potential. It’s that way in life, I think.

Q: What are your future goals? Do you have any last words for others?

A: I’m going to continue running at The University of Tulsa, and I plan to major in exercise sciences and possible double major in biochemistry. I want to go to graduate school and become a coach. This quote from runner Eric Liddel [from “Chariots of Fire”] describes my entire experience with running, “I believe that God made me for a purpose. But He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure.”

David holding his winning drawing of Philbrook and a drawing of his passion—running.