History of Gunter Track and Cross Country
Where Hard Work Becomes Tradition
The legacy left by the hard-working and talented runners in Gunter, TX, has paved the way for the Gunter Tiger track and cross country programs since they were established in 1978. From state champions to state record holders, Gunter’s tradition of hard work has continued since the first spike hit the track.
Throughout the generations, Gunter Tiger track and cross country has excelled and thrived thanks to many of the coaches that have given their time, one being Coach W.J. (Jack) Harris. He served as the head coach for both girls and boys track and cross country from 1978- the early 1980’s. Another notable coach was Coach Locket. He coached Roger Reed, who excelled at the sport in every form and fashion. Reed won state in the 800 meter run and was named to the Texas Track and Field All Century Team.
Much of Gunter’s recent success as an overall athletic program owes much to the strong foundation set by Track and Cross-Country programs. One example is the Lady Tiger basketball program that consistently advanced to the regional and state tournaments during the mid 90’s through early 2000s making up strong Cross Country squads during the fall that would advance to the State Meet. Several times the Lady Tiger Cross Country has left Round Rock with medals, then went on long basketball playoff runs during the winter. The Tiger football program has also been elevated due to a consistent commitment to a strong off-season program centered around track. A number of stand-outs on the gridiron have also found their way to the Regional Finals in Stephenville or Mike Myers track in Austin during the spring.
Listed below are a number of stand-out performers in Gunter Track/Cross-Country history.
| Notable Alumni | Events | Accomplishments |
| Roger Reed | 800m/Mile Relay/1 mile | State record holder for the 800m |
| Justin Leonard | 800m | State Qualifier |
| Cody Campbell | 2 mile/Cross Country | State Champion in two mile |
| Payton Baker | 100m/200m/400m | State Champion in 100m, 200m, and 400m |
| Melissa Spencer | 1 mile/2 mile/Cross Country | State Qualifier in 2 mile and Cross Country |
| Corey Streetman | Pole Vault | State Qualifier in Pole Vault |
| Kendall Harrison | 300 Hurdles, Triple Jump, 800m relay | State Champion in 300 hurdles |
| Heather Spencer | 100/300 Hurdles | State Qualifier |
| Sean Terry | Shot Put | State Champion |
| Brandi Streetman | 300/100 Hurdles | State Qualifier |
| Benji Jezek | Shot Put | State Qualifier |
| Dustin Hunter | 300/100 Hurdles | State Qualifier |
| Mark Pelzal | 400 meter | State Qualifier |
| Anthony Franze | 1600m | State Qualifier |
| Justin Martin | High jump | State Qualifier |
| Chad Tucker | 100m dash | State Qualifier |
| Jill Dodd | High Jump | State Runner-up |
| Chris Whitson | Pole Vault | State Qualifier |
| Kim Wooster | 300/100 Hurdles | State Qualifier |
| Notable Relays | ||
| Relay Members | Event | Accomplishments |
| Shanie Russell, Mandy Turner, Michele Tracy, and Brandi Streetman | Mile Relay | State Qualifier |
| Mandy Lewis, Brandi Streetman, Heather Spencer, Stacy Mincher | Mile Relay | State Qualifier |
| Justin Leonard, Dustin Hunter, Eric Carpenter, Justin Ferguson | Mile Relay | Regional Champion and State Qualifier |
| Chad Tucker, Paul Nicholson, Jared Franze, Dalton Lee | Mile Relay | State Qualifier |
| Chad Tucker, Leo Castorena, Paul Nicholson, Nicky Mixon | Sprint Relay | 3rd at State |
| Belen Gonzales, Haley Berggeren, Cassidy Rand, Payton Baker | Sprint Relay | 2nd at State |
| State Qualifying Cross Country Teams | ||
| Year | Team Members | Accomplishments |
| 1995 | Stacy Mincher, Sarah Schaak, Heather Spencer, Melissa Spencer, Amy Sutton, Jill Sutton, Amy Wisener, Cecily Whitson, Brandy Mincher, Dayna Ford, Kim Cook | State Qualifier |
| 1996 | Jill Sutton, Amy Sutton, Melissa Spencer, Mindy Wheeler, Sarah Schaack, Jill Taylor | State Runner Up |
| 1997 | Jill Sutton, Amy Sutton, Melissa Spencer, Mindy Wheeler, Cecily Whitson, Jill Taylor | State Qualifier |
| 2007 | Katy Smith, Alison Keatts, Courtney Rand, Jessica Carrington, Aubre Alford, Alyssa Schmitt, Pamela Figureoa | State Qualifier |
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