By: Athletic Communications Assistant, Louie Abounader

As athletes ascend through the ranks of a particular sport, it grants them an opportunity to compete with a variety of people. Some of those relationships are amicable in nature whereas others can bring out the fiercest of competitive rivalries. Growing up with a sibling is a bout in its own right, with family bragging rights representing the shiniest of trophies. Baldwin Wallace University student-athletes and fraternal twin brothers Casey and Kyle White (Mount Gilead) are no strangers to this family affair, as they compete against and alongside one another as freshmen on the men's cross country and track and field teams.

"I'm a minute older than Kyle," Casey proclaimed proudly. "It was a cesarean section so I was just picked first."

Much like the womb they shared as babies, the White brothers have been by each other's side every step of the way. As most brothers do, these two young men have had the opportunity to grow up together, while developing and shaping their own identities along the way.

"I think our parents did a really great job of treating us as individuals," Casey explained. "As kids, we did have similar matching outfits but we're two very different people. I think that's probably the reason as to why we click. We're just so different that it works and we get along really well. Like any brothers, we have our little fights and disagreements but for the most part, our relationship has been awesome, not just as brothers but as training partners too."

While comparisons between the twins can become redundant, one thing the White brothers do share in common is their indisputable passion for running.

"I like to refer to it as teaming up with one of my lifelong running or training partners," Kyle expressed. "We've been competing together throughout all of middle school and high school. So, to have Casey with me now in college, it's been an awesome experience."

Having initially began his collegiate career at Swarthmore (Pa.) College in the Philadelphia metropolitan area this past fall, Casey yearned for the presence of his training companion and admitted that being closer to home resonated better with him as a student-athlete.

"I remember how welcoming the team was at BW when I had an opportunity to race here my senior year of high school," Casey recalled. "I just had this sudden realization that I felt like I needed to be at BW. I've loved it thus far. Even though our track season got cut pretty short, what little of a season I did have, I was able to get PRs (personal records) across the board so I've been able to make the most of it."

The process involved in transferring schools, especially so soon into one's enrollment, can steer many people to stay put. It took a familiar voice of reason from someone who knows Casey as well as he knows himself to nudge him in the right direction and ultimately follow through with such a transitional decision.

"I remember having several conversations with him on the phone during his first semester, just kind of staying in touch, seeing how it was going over there," Kyle explained. "He was thinking about transferring and I think I was a pretty big factor in letting him know how well our team at BW meshes with one another other, as well as informing him about the academics side of it too."

With some convincing persuasion, Casey eventually elected to transfer to BW following winter break and teamed up with his brother Kyle just before the indoor track and field season was set to begin. Since then, the White brothers have been able to take their marks alongside a recognizable competitor in an adjacent lane.

"It's been really cool getting to compete with and against him again," Kyle began. "We've definitely gone back and forth in events like the 3,000-meter run. I think he's got me in the 5,000-meter run by a couple seconds," Kyle added with a defeated laugh. "So yeah, he's beaten me in a couple meets and I've beaten him in a couple other ones. I'm really looking forward to cross country season come next fall, because I think that's where we both have our strong suits. It'll be interesting to pull up at the start line with him and get some races in for sure."

Despite the clearly competitive environment they have created amongst themselves in their sport, the White brothers also refuse to undermine the value of their education. Similar to the track, they hold each other accountable for their performance in the classroom as well as other facets in their lives.

"Casey has always been really successful in academics whereas I've mostly been an average student," Kyle confessed. "In our household, our parents have always set a high standard for us in the academic world, as all families should because it is important. I've definitely had to improve upon my academic ventures, to study harder and strive for better grades. It can apply to academics and just as a general person as well. I feel like he's motivated me to become a Good Samaritan with everyone that I encounter, and I feel like I've probably done the same to him in many aspects as well."

The ongoing pandemic ultimately cut the White brothers' freshman campaigns short, as the NCAA announced its cancellation of all 2020 spring sports. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, they have kept busy taking up hobbies, such as reading and painting, while keeping tabs on their online schoolwork. They have also used this unique opportunity to gear up for next season as they prepare to become the next generation of BW runners to lead the charge.

"During this time off, it's really hard to imagine being by myself and trying to run without having the motivation to do it," Casey confessed. "But having Kyle by my side, training with me and pushing each other everyday, it's really been an amazing experience."