'He’s always been so kind': Liberty track and field star Brady Cannon is ultimate teammate, mentor

Liberty’s Brady Cannon sits in a third-grade classroom as a group of students have their attention focused on the high school senior.

Vibrant artwork, including lightning bolts and inspirational quotes, fills the classroom where Payton Cannon, Brady's older sister, teaches.

"You are loved and it matters you are here."

It’s a message that not only occupies the classroom wall, but it’s what Brady Cannon shares with the group of young students who view him as a role model.

“I like Brady because he’s really cool. He plays football like me," said one student. "He always cheers me on and believes in me. I think Brady is the [greatest] person that I know.”

For the past year, Brady Cannon has dedicated time outside of sports to share life lessons, play kickball and read to his sister's students.

Sports teaches valuable life lessons and Brady Cannon has passed them on to the younger students, establishing himself as a mentor.

“I use him as an example a lot. We talk about like,’ What would Brady do?’" Payton Cannon said. “The thing that he tells them the most is just to be kind to others and be a good teammate.”

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Brady Cannon is a devoted athlete for Liberty

Brady Cannon is a Wartburg College commit that will compete in football and discus after high school, but his track and field journey dates back to seventh grade. Competing in baseball, football and basketball, he said he was always one of the fastest kids growing up.

Middle school presented him with the opportunity to compete in track and field, and he didn't hesitate at the chance.

"Ever since I started, it's just been fun. All the coaches that I've had have been really supportive and they've pushed me to be better every practice and every competition that I get," Cannon said. "They want me to be the best version of myself so I would say it's been a really good experience."

He joined Liberty's varsity team as a high school junior and took on a leadership role as a senior.

Individually, Cannon competes in the shot put and discus. He also runs in the 100 and 200-meter races.

He's the anchor for the Lightning’s 4x100 relay team which also includes first-year track runner and fellow senior Brayden Bell, sophomore Jackson Burnes and freshman Brody Beaver. The group will compete at the Drake Relays—which take place Thursday through Saturday at Drake University in Des Moines.

Cannon has known Bell since the sixth grade, but Burnes and Beaver were fresh faces at the start of the season. For Cannon, it was important to build chemistry and support his teammates and that's exactly what he has done.

“(He) just pushes us, encourages us to work hard and obviously teaches us how to translate our work into real life scenarios from practice into competition and gets us prepared and hyped up for that,” Burnes said.

Time invested in practice and competition has proved to be an ingredient for success for the Lightning. They secured a season-best time of 44.50 at the Eastern Iowa Track & Field Festival, the ninth-best time in Liberty's history.

All four members will make their Drake Relays debut this week, where they have the opportunity to carry their momentum over to one of the most prestigious track and field events in the country.

Cannon, Bell, Beaver and Burns are all excited to showcase their talents at the Blue Oval.

"I would say one our goals are to improve our season best, and then on a personal level just get a PR in my split," Cannon said. “I would say yeah, I’m nervous to compete against other schools that I know have really good athletes…but at the same time I’m excited to get that experience and just see what the atmosphere is like."

A longtime supporter of others

Brady Cannon’s willingness to help others dates back to his childhood. It’s not only proven to be a vital piece for the Liberty track and field team but a trait that represents his character.

“Ever since he was little, he’s always been so kind, humble and just a friend to everybody,” Payton Cannon said. “As a teacher, he’s the kind of kid you want in your class and the kind of kid you want on your team.”

Payton Cannon praised her brother for being humble.

“I like to help people that are in need or might not know how important it is to be the best version of yourself,” Brady Cannon. “I would say I like to be that person that helps people see the good in the world and that it's not always perfect, but life is kind of what you make out of it and if you have a good view on life then I would say it’s a pretty good thing.”

Parents show their appreciation for Brady Cannon and the leadership philosophy that he shares with their children. It's an act of kindness that's centered around great morals and guidance.

“I just want them to know the importance of leadership, and that maybe a simple comment could make someone’s day or change the outcome of a certain event,” Brady Cannon said. “I feel like it’s important for them to know the impact that they have on everyone that they meet and talk to."

Marc Ray is the high school sports reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. He can be reached at MARay@gannett.com, and on X, formerly Twitter, at @themarcszn.

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Brady Cannon makes an impact on and off the track for Liberty