PREP SPORTS:

Runner helping team whenever he’s needed

Mona Shield Payne / Special to the Home News

Boulder City High junior Matt Lundgren, the holder of the 3A state titles in the 1600 and 3200 meter events, poses with his record setting shoes.

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Wednesday, June 10, 2009 | 11 p.m.

A closer look at Matt Lundgren

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High school sports section

Boulder City High senior-to-be Matt Lundgren showed why he is one of the state's top runners last weekend.

A multiple state champion in long-distance events for the Eagles, Lundgren was expected to contend for the 2-mile crown at the 34th annual Great Southwest Track & Field Classic in Albuquerque, N.M.

But when one of the runners from the Nevada contingent couldn't compete in the 3,200 relay, Lundgren was asked to race the third 800-meter leg of the event.

Even though he had only run the 800 once this year, Lundgren was up for the challenge. The relay team took last out of six teams — mostly all-star squads assembled for various Western states — but Lundgren impressively ran his leg in 2 minutes, 1 second.

That time was the third-best time in the 800 for a Boulder City runner in the school's 60-plus year history.

Yes, Lundgren is that good.

"He showed he is a team player," Boulder City High coach Joe Ringen said. "He didn't know any of those other kids, but still didn't want to let them down."

Volunteering, however, affected his performance in the 2-mile.

Lundgren, who holds a Boulder City school record in the race at 9:50, couldn't finish the event at the classic because of breathing problems. He was third out of 11 runners and making his move to the top spot when he couldn't continue.

"That was the most devastating race I've ever been in," Lundgren said. "Doing good in the 800 was bittersweet because I really didn't want to run."

While the disappointment from this past weekend still lingers, Ringen has stressed to his prized runner that there is nothing to be ashamed of.

"He's done everything for the right reasons. Just a super kid," the coach said.

Ray Brewer can be reached at ray.brewer@lasvegassun.com or 990-2662.

Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or ray.brewer@lasvegassun.com.