BUTLER TWP — Guinness Brown appreciates the support system he has in his Butler High School track and field teammates.

But his support system extends far beyond that.

Brown, a Golden Tornado senior carrying a 4.2 grade point average, is headed to Duke University to continue his academic and track career. He won WPIAL titles in the 100 and 200 meters last year and broke the Butler County record in the 200.

That record is 21.42 seconds.

“Guinness works hard,” Terry Brown, his father, said. “He wants the county records in the 100 and 400, too. He's driven to get whatever he can.”

Brown has seven siblings. Three of them — older brother Samuel (21) and adopted younger brothers Bob (14) and Joe (12) — have Down Syndrome, a genetic disorder that can cause physical growth delays.

“I'm appreciative of everything I have in life and I'm motivated by my family,” Guinness said. “We're all very close. I support my brothers and sisters and they support me.

“I'm super grateful for what track has done for me and all I've ever wanted to do is maximize the God-given abilities I have.”

Samuel is a fellow senior at Butler this year. Delaney, Guinness' twin sister, will be playing lacrosse at Mount Union College. Their brother, Grayden, is a freshman at Butler who plays soccer, basketball and runs track.

“We're hoping Guinness and Grayden get the chance to run a relay together this spring,” Mr. Brown said.

Terry and his wife, Lisa Brown, adopted Bob and Joe 10 years ago from The Ukraine. They were adopted through Reece's Rainbow, a website promoting special needs adoption support.

“In those countries, special needs kids are raised as orphans, then placed in institutions when they're 18,” Mr. Brown said. “They often die just a couple of years later. ... They're just not cared for.

“We already had a child with Down Syndrome. We wanted to help a couple of others. Those two have been a blessing to our family.”

And to Guinness.

“I've learned so much from them,” Guinness said. “There are all kinds of different people in the world. Those two are always so happy ... They make me happy.”

They make him competitive as well.

“I've never been around an athlete more determined, or motivated,” Butler track coach Mike Seybert said. “Guinness is just plain driven. His family has a lot to do with that.

“When he sets his sights on something, he goes after it and doesn't quit until hegets it.”

That includes those other two county records.

Brown's fastest time in the 100 meters is 10.54 seconds. The only county runner who's been faster is Mars graduate Brad Mueller, who owns the record at 10.5.

Brown has run the 400 in 48.58 seconds. Seneca Valley graduate Oliver Philogene owns the county record of 47.77.

“Guinness has that combination of natural ability and hard work,” Butler running coach Fred Pinto said. “He attacks practice like he attacks a meet.”

Again, much of that goes back to being motivated through family.

“Our household is as competitive as they come, but in a good way,” Mr. Brown said. “When Guinness has a track meet, we're all there. When one of the other kids has a sporting event, we're all there.

“And these kids are brutally honest with each other. If you did well at your game or meet, they'll tell you. If you didn't ... They'll tell you that, too.”

It all comes with the territory for Guinness, who also considered Penn State, North Carolina and Michigan before opting for Duke. The Blue Devils' women's track team won the Atlantic Coast Conference title last spring.

Now coach Shawn Wilbourn is trying to elevate the men's team to that level.

“I'm anxious to be a part of that,” Guinness said. “Make All-ACC, go to the NCAA's, just keep on going.”

Representing his family every step of the way.

“I'm so proud to be part of it,” Guinness said of his family. “And I want them to be proud of me.”