Ella Adams is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Basha High School for AZPreps365.com.

CHANDLER — When Basha's boys cross country team takes to the course each meet, there is not much difference between its top two runners.

In fact, they're twins.

Parker and Brady Summers have been running for Basha since their freshman years and they’re also members of the track and field team. 

Parker and Brady Summers recently raced in the Chandler City Championships where Parker came first and Brady came second. 

The brothers ran a 5k and both had a personal record, Brady Summers ran a 14:59.1 and Parker Summers ran a 15:21.9. 

“Our bond is stronger because every day we talk with each other and we live in the same household,” Brady Summers said. 

Twins do not always gravitate towards the same things, but for the Summers brothers they do. 

“Running is something that we both have in common, and running takes a lot of commitment,” Brady Summers said. 

Head coach Jason Anderton said they are similar with their senses of humor, but there are some differences.

“They got fun personalities, and I've been with them since freshman year, so it has been fun to see them,” Anderton said. 

Anderton said there is no sibling rivalry between the brothers because they are good friends. 

Parker and Brady said they are focusing on improving their times— not waging a brotherly competition. 

“I look up to him,” Parker Summers said. “He wants me to be up there with him.” 

Their times speak for their talent as they have progressed over the years with growing through the years and progressing in their running careers. 

Anderton said there is a third person, Blake Walmsley, who is just behind them and pushes the brothers.

Despite their progression since Freshman year, one big setback put a little distance between them.
Anderton said Parker hasn’t been able to run any races due to being injured his sophomore year. 

Parker Summers said when he was injured he continued to come to practices and races for Brady and got more motivated to enjoy the progression his brother was experiencing. 

If Parker got discouraged during his time out from running, Brady always stood by his side as he continued forward with his recovery. 

Once Parker was recovered the twins resumed running together again. 

“We like to have conversations during our easy runs,” Parker Summers said.

Brady Summers said having his brother gives him more of a reason to run because they can keep each other accountable. 

“Last year, Brady really had a breakout year near the end of cross country and then also in track,” Anderton said. “He had some really good races and kind of took it up a notch.”

Brady Summers gives his credit to his consistency in training and gaining more race experience. 

“As you get older and you become more experienced, you learn more about racing and pacing yourself through those races,” Brady Summers said. 

With the improvement, Brady had helped the team improve as well, Anderton said. 

The twins are looking to continue running together in college at a Division I or Division II school.