SPEEDWAY HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS

This week we are celebrating Austin Turnquist for his time, energy, and accomplishments in both cross country and wrestling! Austin was a three year member of cross country and a four year member of the high school wrestling program. Austin also competes for a wrestling program outside of Speedway called Contenders Wrestling which has three locations throughout the state. Austin has received multiple awards for his accomplishments in both sports. Austin received the Most Improved Award for both wrestling and cross country his sophomore year and he earned All-Academic State in wrestling his junior year. Austin believes that there are many positive reasons for running cross country and wrestling! “They make me a harder worker, they make me faster and stronger, and they all bring out the hard work,” Austin said. His coaches also believe that he has had a very positive impact on both teams. “Austin made his return to the Cross Country team this past year,” noted cross country head coach Brian Hunteman. “For his third season, Austin’s ability to jump right back into running and competing was a huge lift to the boys team and has impressed the coaches. We were lucky to have Austin back.” Head wrestling coach Nick Paden also strongly valued Austin’s great leadership on the team and his improvements on the mat! “Austin technically began wrestling in 6th grade when we needed a fill-in for our conference tournament,” said Paden. “That did not go very well, and I didn't think he would ever be back. He developed into the leader on the team. He eats, sleeps, and breathes wrestling, and he has shown incredible improvement over his career. He already has a conference title to his name.” Austin is the son of Joesph and Tabatha Turnquist and is the brother of Emerson and Carson Turnquist(8th), all who have attended Speedway Schools. One adult that Austin would like to recognize for being an influence in his life is his dad. “My dad is my biggest influence because I work as hard as I can so I can be like him,” Austin said. When interviewed earlier this year, Austin had plans of studying business management and wrestling in college. Congratulations Austin on all of your accomplishments and we can’t wait to see where you go in the future! The senior athletic profiles are produced by the Student Media Sports Team of Morgan Smith, Jonathan Berry, Hayli Clampitt, and Colten Thompson.