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Austin Baird Leaping His Way Up The Recruiting Boards

In a time where many so called experts are lobbying and pressuring kids and families to specialize in one sport a few are striking back and working on areas of their athletics in one sport that will compliment another. Track and Football are a great example.

While many football kids have decided to go year around some still stay the cour

Austin Baird Leaping His Way Up The Recruiting Boards

In a time where many so called experts are lobbying and pressuring kids and families to specialize in one sport a few are striking back and working on areas of their athletics in one sport that will compliment another.  Track and Football are a great example.  

While many football kids have decided to go year around some still stay the course and see that speed and explosiveness gained on the track.  Their is one universal truth in the recruiting game.  Speed and explosiveness is not everything; it's the only thing.  The only thing that  can separate the millions of kids clamoring their way to the top.

At ever position there are size and strength requirements.  Many can pass those tests.  But the truly top recruits work tirelessly to generate the X factor that can set them apart.  It is what sets Thomas Tyner apart from the rest of the Nation's running backs.  His undisputed speed at 4.38 laser made him the #1 running back in the country even while many others have doubled his yardage on the field.

The explosiveness, and leaping ability is what made Kasen Williams of Skyline High School the #1 WR in the Nation a couple years back and the Parade Magazine Player of the Year.    His accolades on the Track actually helped to make him more of a known commodity then just his football efforts.   Williams was not the fastest guy in the 40 but his 50 plus foot triple jump, his 24'5" long jump, and his 6'11" high jump translated to freakish talent on the grid iron and he has not disappointed at the U of W where he looks to be on track to be an All Pac 12 guy very soon.

Enter Marist High School's stud football player Austin Baird.  It was not certain he was going to be a top track guy this year.  His speed is very good.  Austin has one of the fastest 40 meter times in the State.  So we knew he was going to turn in some sweet times at the 100 Meters.  Not "Tyneresque" numbers but good enough to be a top guy and help anchor their 4 x 100 Meter relay squad to #1 in the State.

The Marist boys 4 x 100 team opens with Taylor Walcott and closes with Baird and they have already broken the school record and lead the State.

But surprisingly Baird made his move in the jumping events last weekend and that has instantly raised his stock as a football player.  In his first jump ever as a High School Triple Jumper he broke the Marist record with a 44'6" blast.

But his next attempt was even better and he shattered his own school record with a 45'1.5" flight.  That was the #1 jump in the State so far this wet and sloppy track season and a terrific mark for Baird.

Over on the Long Jump Baird shined as well sailing to a 22' 10.25 inch mark.  That makes him #1 in the State at the Long Jump this year.  And he is not done.

"I was surprised because I have not jumped in a couple years.  The long jump I went over 20 feet back in 8th grade.  So that jump was not a shock but it felt great," said Baird.  "But I am not done and have my eyes set on a 24.5' jump.  And that is realistic as my landing was terrible and I know if I can work on it I can get another foot easy."

Now the expectation was not there in the triple jump.  The 5'11", 189 pound all purpose footballer and MVP of the WashingtonPreps 5A Division as a 2 way star was a little taken aback.  

"That was crazy.  I just sailed and you know I think I have more to go there too.  I am just getting started so as I learn that jump and perfect some techniques my mark should get better."

Wow.  No surprise but this is a tangible display of athletic prowess.  When you add this explosiveness and leaping ability in with his 4.46 40 time you have major components of a top recruit.  This is how Baird will separate himself beyond his ascent the last two seasons to the top of the heap as a RB/WR/Slot/DB and Special teams guy.

Coaches will see this for what it is.  Austin Baird's resume by the end of track season will eliminate any doubts.  Those stats do not lie.  They are not hype.  Right there in the column at athletic.net ( Click Here to Verify) is proof.   His reality is something other most other guys can not list as an asset and it is going to set him apart.

"It is important to me to show that I have these skills and to give my team my all.  I know this is helping me.  Just after the meet I attended a visitation at OSU and watched Spring practice.  All of the Beaver's coaches spoke to me about the track success we are having and I know the jumps I made helped.  That has led to what I perceive as a heightened interest in me by OSU.   It is pretty clear they like me and are planning to track my progress," said Baird.

One more thing he added in passing, "North Dakota called and offered me a scholarship this week too.  That was nice!"

That gives him PSU and ND and OSU and schools like them are closing in.

What's next for the high flying Spartan?

"The Oregon Relays are next weekend and I am working hard to get ready for that.  We are all really excited," said Austin.  "By the end of Track season I plan to have set the records in the Long and Triple Jump at Marist and have a shot to win the State."

This is how is supposed to be.  Austin is still lifting almost every day, making football events, and he is getting faster and jumping while having fun out on the track.  Now how can anything beat that combination?  

Simply stated it can't!  Here is to Austin Baird and the Marist High Track Team and to all of the athletes who pursue more then one sport in an era where doing so is becoming less and less common.  

 

 

I am the Founder of the Northwest Prep Report. For 17 years I have led the way to the best of my ability to promote the best talent from the Pacific NW free of charge. It is my pleasure to continue to serve High School athletes from all over the Pacific NW and beyond. Formerly with Rivals.com my sites have now crossed over 8,000 stories, 7 MILLION Video Views, and 15,000 regular followers. Together with the best football people in the USA we pursue excellence for our NW athletes.

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