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Kinchen hits books, takes aim at records

The Lecanto senior wants school marks on track to match his high marks in the classroom.

By DEREK LaRIVIERE
Published April 18, 2006

LECANTO - Felton Kinchen is a part of one of the most celebrated athletic classes ever to come through Lecanto.

The senior boys have a kinship that has allowed them to overtake other teams that do not have the same chemistry. From Felton Kinchen to Richard Chaney, these student-athletes bond with each other through sports.

Of all the sports Kinchen took part in, he is probably best on the track.

This season his performance in his favorite two events has improved significantly. He favors the 110-meter and 300-meter hurdles, and Kinchen has his sights firmly focused on two goals before his track career is over.

"I really want those school records," he said. "Chaney has one of them, and I want to take it from him."

Chaney holds the record in the 110 hurdles, which he no longer runs. He set the mark last season at 15.8 seconds. The school record for the 300 hurdles is 40.6 seconds.

"Felton has one of the best work ethics I have ever been around," Lecanto coach Dan Epstein said. "If anyone can break both of them, it would be him."

The unique thing about Kinchen is that he is not driven by athletics.

He says his focus is on academics. An honor student with a 3.3 grade point average, Kinchen is still debating whether to pursue track after high school.

"I have talked to some coaches about running later on," Kinchen said, "but in the morning in the classroom, there is nothing more important."

After leaving the successful basketball team this year in somewhat controversial fashion - some labeled Kinchen as selfish - he maintains that there was more to it than that.

"Yes, I wanted some playing time," Kinchen said, "but I care about the team most of all. In track, it's about the individual when the race begins, but after it's over, you care about where your points contribute to the team effort."

The duality between team and individual is a thin line he knows well.

"Every point counts, and I try to get that through to the freshmen and sophomores on the team," he said. "There's nothing wrong with having specific goals for yourself though."

Kinchen is a co-captain for Epstein's program, and his vocal influence has been valuable to the team's success.

"He has such a positive effect on the other kids," Epstein said. "His sense of humor and work ethic are great examples of how to be loose but also focused."

With districts approaching, Kinchen has a shot to reach region and even state with his hurdles times. Both he and Epstein believe he is more than capable of reaching great individual heights.

Even if he does not move on, Kinchen will be a key part of Lecanto's bid for a district title.

[Last modified April 18, 2006, 01:50:23]