Tyreese Molden, Amarillo High track, Sr.
On the track: At last week’s District 3-5A/4-5A area meet at Lubbock’s Plains-Capitol Park at Lowrey Field, Molden had a banner day, showing he’s rounding into peak form at the perfect time by setting two meet records in a pair of sprinting events. He started the day by teaming up with Xavian Landry, JQ Ervin and Jameson Garcia to win the 400 meter relay in a time of 41.52 seconds, which was both a meet and school record. That was only the start for Molden, who on his own cruised to victory in the 200, setting another meet record with a time of 21.26. Molden, who played football last fall, shared in a third gold as the teamed with the same trio who won the 400 relay to win the 800 relay in 1:27.55. The stakes will be higher for Molden this weekend, as he returns to the same track in the Region I-5A meet, where he’s the No. 1 seed in the 200.
Coach Steve Bergeski: “He was part of our mile relay last year that made it to state, and I vividly remember that since after football season ends you usually don’t get that out of a senior. He said ‘I’m ready for track and I want to go to state.’ He’s one of the smoothest runners that I’ve ever seen and he’s kind peaking at the right time right now. It’s been awhile since we’ve had a low 21 in the Panhandle. This will be a good week to push him and see if we can drop some time even more. Tyreese is sitting with the top time in the 200 and he’ll be pushed there. Your track team’s just an extension of your football team and if you can get those kids year-round, it’s really just a culmination of the work we’ve put in the last three or four years.”
Molden: “That was actually surprising to us. We knew that we could do it, but we didn’t come in trying to break a record. We know that if we get enough competition we can break many more records. The record in the 200 I wasn’t even thinking of. I just wanted a 21 because that was my goal for this season. The record just came. Before the race started I was dying because the temperature was just draining. My legs were out of it but after I looked up and saw 21, everyone was running up to me and it was great. As of right now I’m No. 1 in the region and I’m standing great right now. There’s a lot of competition and I’m ready to race them and get a better time. I’m excited. It should be fun.”
About Molden
Favorite band or musician: Playboy Carti
Favorite social media platform: Vsco
Favorite athlete: Russell Westbrook
Bet you didn’t know: DIdn’t start competing in sports until eighth grade.
Parents: Tyra Molden