Doherty's Chavez delivers sterling hurdles times

Propelled by a new mentality, Doherty’s Ryne Chavez could make some noise at this year’s state meet.

The senior hurdler swept the 110- and 300-meter hurdles at the 38th Cougar Classic Invitational at Garry Berry Stadium on Friday. His blistering 38.12-second mark in the 300 not only set a meet record, but would have won the 5A state title last year.

Chavez preceded that victory with an impressive win in the 110 hurdles with a personal-best time of 14.74, just three-hundredths of a second off the meet record.

A new attitude coming into the 2012 season has helped Chavez lower his times.

“I didn’t realize how much I wanted to win before this season,” said Chavez, who said he is eyeing Adams State for college. “Last year, I had motivation, but not as much as I have this year. It’s a huge change from last year, and it’s been phenomenal.

“Hard work definitely pays off, especially when you have the best coaches in the state. My coach, parents and friends have been supporting me all the way, and I’ve had great competition pushing me, so it’s really nice.”

Chavez’s times surprised even him.

“I didn’t think I was going to be this fast at this point in the season,” he said. “I didn’t expect to break 15 (seconds in the 110) today. This is my first year doing the 110, so it felt really awesome to finally be under 15.”

Doherty coach Rob Duensing has been impressed by Chavez’s work ethic and progression.

“He definitely came in (this season) motivated,” Duensing said. “He started working in June to be the best he could be, and he’s matured and grown. He’s just a great kid to work with.”

Chavez — who broke a 25-year-old school record in the 300 two weeks ago with a time of 37.91 — wasn’t the only multiple-event winner on the boys’ side.

Reigning 4A triple jump state champ Tony Carodine of Widefield won the triple jump with a meet record jump of 49 feet, 2 inches — five inches off his personal best — despite hitting the board “a foot-and-a-half” early. Carodine also claimed the long jump with a mark of 21-9¾ and — in just his second time competing in the high jump this season — won the meet with a personal-best 6-6.

The ultra-talented senior is excited about the upcoming state meet, May 17-19, at Jeffco Stadium in Lakewood.

“Right now, I just need to work on being more consistent,” said Carodine, who will compete at Missouri beginning this fall. “This shows where I’m at, and it shows what kind of shape I’m in to be able to (compete in) the triple and high (jumps) at the same time and get an outrageous PR in the high jump. Now, I’m just trying to get better and push forward.”

NOTES
Vista Ridge won the boys’ team title with 83 points, followed by host Coronado in second with 74 and The Classical Academy in third at 66. Vista Ridge’s 400 relay team set a meet record with its 42.36-second time and its 1,600 relay team also set a meet record of 3:26.45, while Harrison’s 800 set a meet mark in 1:29.73.