Why Nevada sprinter Connor Kunze has something to prove in 2024

Connor Kunze has something to prove.

The Nevada sophomore sprinter made a nice splash last season. He qualified for the state track meet in the Class 3A 200-meter dash and placed 17th during the prelims with a time of 23.05 seconds.

But Kunze was far from satisfied.

“Last year I didn’t really meet my expectations,” Kunze said. “I wanted to make state in the 100 and run it in sub-10.8 seconds. I worked all summer, and my teammates really pushed me. I think they’re really making me run faster this year.”

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Kunze is on a mission to achieve those goals in 2024.

Kunze's best 100 time last season was 11.17. His top 200 effort was the time he ran at state.

He credits John Pelzer, who retired as Nevada's boys track and field coach last season, for helping get him in position to compete at state as a freshman.

“Pelzer was a great coach,” Kunze said. “He really helped me analyze my races and see deeper into how to run them.”

Pelzer formed state champion and place-winning relay teams at state during his time at Nevada. His knowledge came in handy to Kunze when he broke into the varsity roster last year.

“Pelzer did a really good job of helping me analyze my start,” Kunze said. “It improved a lot from my eighth-grade year to my freshman year.”

James Mills has taken over the Nevada track and field program. Nevada football coach Andrew Kleeman is now working with Kunze and the rest of the team's sprinters.

"Kleeman helps me with stuff,” Kunze said. “He’s really believing in me.”

Mills works more with the distance runners, but he is impressed with what he has seen from Kunze.

"Connor's stride makes sprinting look effortless," Mills said. "His feet pop off the track. It also makes him a very good long jumper."

On Thursday, Nevada hosted a home meet and celebrated senior night. Kunze won the 100 in 11.10, the 200 in 22.61 and the long jump with a distance of 21 feet even.

That 100 time would put Kunze fifth among 3A runners, according to the times listed on Varsity Bound heading into Thursday's competition.

Kunze also teamed with Peter Ludwig, Cedar Smith and Jackson Baker to place third in the 4x100 relay with a time of 45.30.

“Our handoffs are a lot more improved," Kunze said of the 4x100. "I think we have a good shot of making state.”

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Mills is impressed with a lot more than Kunze's performance on the track.

"Connor's results have inspired others to pursue what they may not think is possible," Mills said. "His presence on a relay elevates the performance of the other members."

One of those individuals inspired by Kunze is Nevada freshman Jacob Smith, who ran the varsity 100 and 200 with Kunze on Thursday and placed 11th in both events.

“Connor is a fast guy,” Smith said. “I just want to be like him.”

Kunze said he works out six days a week. Smith admires his work ethic.

"I've learned from him," Smith said. "Just practice, practice, practice."

As he progresses through the rest of the season, Kunze has a good shot at making state in four events — the 100, 200, long jump and 4x100. He said he is hoping the growth he has made since 2023 will allow him to reach the goals he couldn't attain as a freshman.

"I want to run a sub-10.8 and make the finals in the 100," Kunze said. "At least place in the top eight. That's my big goal. Same for the 200."

Joe Randleman covers high school sports for the Ames Tribune. Contact him at jrandleman@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JoeRandleman

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Nevada sprinter Connor Kunze is looking accomplish big things in 2024