(Guthrie Center) ACGC goes to a co-ed track meet at Ballard on Tuesday. The Charger boys enter the competition on the heels of a meet title at Manson NW Webster last week.
The ACGC boys track team has broken several school records this season. It’s no surprise to coach Cody Matthewson. “We have kids that just compete.” He says, “That’s what has really set us apart. The mindset is to not take a step back. We’ll continue to find guys who work their tails off in the offseason, find time in the weight room, and understand track is not a three month sport. If you want to be good you have to put in the time and effort and these kids are starting to see things pay off.”
Austin Kunkle and Tate Fever were among those that broke records last week. Fever won the 400 Lows in 59.55. Kunkle’s 10.76 in the 100 is #2 in Class 1A. “He broke his own record from last year and really popped off a time. He’s still not running it the best he can. If he clears up some things he can improve. Tate Fever continues to do a phenomenal job. He went sub-60 for the 2nd time this year. Someone who has really surprised himself and everybody else. We knew he had ability, but he’s going to be a heck of an athlete for the next 3-4 years for us.”
Matthewson says Justin Reinhart, Andrew Mahaffey, Gavin Sloss, Jarrett McClain and Tyconder Ellis have also been consistent performers in the distance events, while field events continue to be a strength. They scored 38 points in field events at Manson NW Webster. Lance Bunde has a top 8 height in the state and school record in the high jump at 6-02.5. Payton Jacobe’s 48-06 in the shot put is a school record and ranks 8th so far this year in 1A.
On Tuesday they’ll face some bigger schools at the Ballard meet. “We are not scared to go compete. I’d rather compete against bigger schools. That’s only going to help us see better athletes and bigger lineups.” Matthewson says, “We are going to go perform the best we can. If you want to be the best you have to compete against the best.”
ACGC coach Cody Matthewson:
