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MAKING A SPLASH: Klein's Erwin beats to own drum
WHEN A NICKNAME FITS, IT JUST STICKS.
Quint “QT” Erwin loves the story.
“One of my closest friends is named Quinn and I am Quint,” he said. “Coach Svoboda would call out ‘Quinn’ and we would both turn and head his way. It was super confusing and annoying for all of us. Coach made the decision that he would be Quinn and I would be QT.”
It has stuck ever since.
“I know when you run it together it sounds like cutie,” he laughs. “I get that all the time. It’s a conversation starter, for sure.”
Erwin enters his junior season as one of leaders of the Bearkat swim and dive team, specializing in the 200 butterfly and 50 freestyle.
“What really kept me inspired happened during my freshman year,” he said. “Every season, Coach Svoboda pulls up one swimmer from the junior varsity to swim in the varsity district meet. He picked me. That has really kept me going. It gave me so much confidence.”
Two years later, he has lofty goals entering the 2024 season.
“I’m looking at getting to State,” he said. “I also want to go back to the Junior Nationals and eventually swim in college.”
Erwin found himself in the pool.
“I tried all the sports growing up,” he said. “I just found my clique with swim. I love being with my friends and I also like getting up early to practice. It makes me feel like I’ve done something during the day.”
What does he listen to before a big race?
“This sounds weird, but I listen to country music ballads,” he said. “Something like Jimmy Buffett or Kenny Chesney. My heart rate is super high during a meet, I need something to calm me down.”
Outside of the pool, Erwin is the outdoorsy-type.
“I love to fish, bike, hike and water ski,” he said. “I love the beach or biking the trails of Colorado. I could see myself travelling to state parks across the country when I’m older and being a part-time park ranger. I’m also dabbling into art a little bit.”
His uniqueness doesn’t stop there.
“I’m big into reading about history,” he said. “My favorite subjects are Henry Ford and Alexander Hamilton. They are really fascinating.”
QT Erwin beats to his own drum, which is unique in the world of high school where everyone is trying to just fit in. That sets him apart as he swims upstream in pursuit of his goals.
THE 411: Klein Forest's Davis Building On Impressive Track Resume
THE KLEIN FOREST GIRLS’ TRACK AND FIELD TEAM EARNED A PAIR OF GOLD MEDALS AT THE STATE MEET IN 2023 AS THEY CONTINUE TO BUILD ON THEIR ILLUSTRIOUS RESUME ON THE OVAL.
So, what will the Eagles do for an encore? Back on the oval is junior sprinter Kyaliah Davis, who helped lead Klein Forest to gold in the 4x100 and 4x200 relays in Austin.
“We are great at relays because we are really close as a team,” she said. “You have to have great chemistry to get the stick around the track. The hand offs win or lose the race for you and we practice really hard at it.”
While the girls’ team had a tremendous 2023, winning silver at State, the boys took gold.
“We practice together and are all great friends,” she said of her boy counterparts. “They make us better, but we always argue with them about who is going to win State. It’s all in good fun.”
As the track season turns from practices to meets, Klein Forest and Davis will have a bull’s eye on their backs as soon as they get off the bus. They welcome the competition.
In our 411 feature, we get into the head of one of the state’s top sprinters…Kyaliah Davis.
VYPE: What makes a great track athlete?
DAVIS: It’s really 20-percent athleticism and 80-percent mental. If you are mentally strong, the track part will take care of itself.
VYPE: What is your dream car?
DAVIS: A Dodge Challenger
VYPE: Where is your dream vacation?
DAVIS: Hawaii.
VYPE: What is your favorite place to eat?
DAVIS: That’s easy, WingStop.
VYPE: What is your dream college?
DAVIS: Arkansas.
VYPE: What is your favorite movie?
DAVIS: Really, any scary movie.
VYPE: What can you see yourself doing in 10 years?
DAVIS: Being a veterinarian.
VYPE: Who is your inspiration?
DAVIS: My Dad. He coaches me in AAU track and he has really pushed me to where I am today.
VYPE: How did you get into track?
DAVIS: My sister started running, so I just followed her early on. She quit after a month and I’ve stuck with in ever since.