Chasing glory: Caldera boys’ final kick toward track & field history
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)- As the track and field season races toward its final stretch, Caldera High School has emerged as a powerhouse to watch. With standout performances and a surge of momentum, the Wolfpack is poised for its strongest postseason yet, and perhaps, its first championship.
For senior Cohen Montoya, the journey has been four years in the making.
“Feels so good to win,” Montoya said. “Honestly, I remember my freshman year, we weren't winning anything, always at the bottom. And now, to be at the top is really awesome.”
Montoya is part of Caldera’s first-ever four-year boys track and field class, a group that has witnessed the program grow from underdog to contender.
Senior Dane Giessler echoed that sentiment: “We would just come out here and get absolutely pummeled by these big schools. But now, it's kind of switching roles. It just shows all the work we put in is paying off.”
What began as a small team with big goals has transformed into one of the most feared squads in the state. The Wolfpack currently ranks in the top five in 5A in nine different events, with multiple top-five athletes in three of those events.
Junior Mason Morical credits the culture: “It’s just the culture we’ve built. The coaches are amazing. We all push each other to be our very best, and that inspires everyone. It’s just really nice.”
Head coach Dirk Matthias believes the team’s peak is still ahead: “I think it’s going to be really interesting to see how these kids shine when they’re actually given a little rest. The long, hard training they’ve already put in is starting to bear fruit.”
Next week brings the Intermountain Conference (IMC) Championships on Thursday, a pivotal moment as Caldera looks to challenge Summit, historically the dominant program in the region.
“We’ve always looked up to Summit,” said Morical. “We always wanted to be at their level. To be there now? It’s so special. It gives us so much confidence heading into state.”
“I just remember them always winning,” Montoya added. “Now we can finally beat them.”
Even Coach Matthias acknowledges the significance of the rivalry: “They are our benchmark. I'd be lying if I said otherwise. When we look at IMC and state championships, we have zero.”
But that could soon change.
Zero championships so far for the Wolfpack, but that first trophy looks to be just around the bend, and with their final kick, it’s a finish worth watching.
“If I win a title, when I look at the board and see those 10 points,” Morical said, “all I think about is, 'Man, let's just win this thing.'”
“A state title would be really cool,” said Giessler. “If we have a shot, it’s this year for sure.”
The State Championships take place at Hayward Field in Eugene on May 30th, but the title chase begins with Districts next week.
