Leap Of The Week: Gus McIntyre

Palmer's Gus McIntrye made serious gains over the summer. 

Gus McIntyre is only four months removed from running his 4:48 personal best in the 1,600. And on that note, add a 9:58 3,200 PR from the same 2018 outdoor season. 

The Palmer junior clearly put in some work this season, because a year ago he held a 16:49 5k PR. Additionally, it was his lone Sub-17 performance. He didn't run at state last year, but did finish 94th at the big dance as a freshman. Additionally, his resume includes no state track appearances.

But this year things are looking a little different... Ok, a lot different. While he cracked 17 just once last year, this year he's three-for-three, and already knocking at a Sub 16. 

McIntyre ran 16:06 in a fury sprint finish at the Rock Canyon XC Invite this past Saturday for a runner-up finish. For an athlete with one winning performance in his high school cross country career, he sure raced with the poise of someone who'll likely make winning a trend.

His time ranks him 20th in 5A, and that's with 18 of the top-20 times coming out of Liberty Bell, a race of which he did not compete in. So, if we're translating a non-run Liberty Bell performance, with a Liberty Bell performance, I'd say his 16:06 rings a little louder than a No. 20 5A ranking...

McIntyre's leap from off the state-radar to on the state radar is deserving of this week's Leap Of The Week.

Have an athlete who has made a big improvement and should be the 'Leap of the Week?' Email me at breyes@milesplit.com each Monday following their performance.