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Boys' track & field player of the year: Tony Carodine, Widefield
Tony Carodine has tattoos of his favorite Bible verse and his mother’s name, enjoys singing — in a choir or solo — and is the greatest triple jumper to ever compete at the 4A Colorado high school state meet.
The humble young man from Widefield High School has several diverse interests, yet he doesn’t feel at home more than when he’s flying down the runway and about to explode through the air and into the sand.
“I wouldn’t make a career out of singing, I’m definitely a better jumper than singer,” joked Carodine, who has sung in his church choir and also has done it solo.
Before the 2012 track season, Carodine was known around circles in Colorado Springs, but he wasn’t necessarily on the radar of those around the state — or nation.
After a dominant senior campaign, which ended with a state meet record in the triple jump, another state title in the long jump and a second-place finish in the high jump, Carodine has quite literally jumped onto the scene.
“I came into the state meet with a winning mentality and it gave me the adrenaline I needed to accomplish what I wanted to,” said Carodine, whose jump of 49 feet, 83/4 inches set the state meet record in the triple jump. “Before that last jump I knew it was my last high school jump and I wanted the record.”
So how did someone go from relatively unknown to a multiple-state champion and a signee with Missouri? It’s the need for speed.
“It’s all about speed; no matter what event you do in track it usually depends on how fast you can go, and that’s true for the field events, too,” he said. “I ran on a few relays this year, but it was mostly just jumping. I worked so hard on my technique and approach, and then I just added the speed.”
Carodine, who plans to study either sports psychology or business at Missouri, recently added his third tattoo. But unlike so many of his youthful counterparts, his tattoos have a special meaning.
On his right arm he has a cross with his favorite Bible verse, Philippians 4:13. On his left pec, his mother’s name — Joretha. And the most recent ink is of the USA Track and Field logo — wings with a star at the bottom.
“I wanted tattoos I knew I’d never regret, and I won’t regret these at all,” he said.
While Carodine might seem to be a quiet leader, Widefield coach Fred Marjerrison saw someone who wasn’t afraid to lead from the front.
“He really led by example, and there were times when he would be vocal and his teammates responded,” Marjerrison said. “I think the next four years will be fun to watch him.”
While he has made it clear that his education will come first at Missouri, Carodine admits that he has thought about a possible Olympic push in the future.
“I’ve thought about the Olympics, and that would be incredible, but right now I’m focusing on school and being the best I can the next four years,” he said.
