Sprinter ends high school career with two state track records

  • Published
  • By Valerie Mullett
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Four years ago Chris Wilson arrived in Great Falls, Mont., when his father got an assignment to Malmstrom Air Force Base. At the time, the young man had never set foot on a running track. But since then, it's become one of his passions and he's become one of the best at what he does. 

"I knew I wanted to play football and back then, running track was required in order to do so," the defensive cornerback said. "So I ran track and I really liked it." 

The 18-year-old C.M. Russell High School graduate became the state record holder May 30 in both the 100- and 200-meter sprints with times of 10.67 and 21.51 seconds respectively. He also ran the anchor leg of the 4x100-meter relay, and he and his teammates finished third. 

"I wanted to do it (break the records) last year," said the sprinter, "but I was only able to break the 100 meter. It only took me three meets this year to beat the record times."
But those times were logged as meet records. He knew he'd have to maintain the competitive edge to the end to take the coveted crown. 

Over the course of this track season, the future MSU Bobcat accomplished the following: 
- Won both the 100- and 200-meter sprints at the Missoula Invitational 

- Won the 100-meter at the Dahlberg Invitational 

- Won both the 100- and 200-meter sprints at the Skor DeKam 

- Won both the 100- and 200-meter sprints at the Divisional meet where he recorded his personal best in the 100-meter with a 10.48 

His conditioning and mental preparation, along with his intensity to succeed have driven him to be the best he can be. 

"I have studied a lot of Tyson Gay's videos and have learned from them," he said. "I also really kicked it up a notch after my sophomore year. My teammate Christian Prosperie took me under his wing and inspired me to do better." 

In the off season, Chris enrolled in a results speed training program and also worked with a chiropractor on shrinking and stretching his muscles to help improve his speed and strength as well as his fast-twitch muscle reaction. 

He admits his favorite event is the 100-meter because, "I have broken more records - six or seven - over the course of my junior and senior year." 

He also set the all class record for double A in the 100-meter as a junior and set the all class high school record in both events as a senior. In addition, he has held the CMR school records in both events for the past two years. If that weren't enough, he also broke three weight lifting/strength records at CMR this year and earned an honorable mention on the all-state football team. 

Capping his high school career in the fashion he did was special for him. 

"Having my family there (at the state meet), knowing these were my last races of high school - the adrenaline and emotional rushes - wanting to make a statement in these last two races, a lot of things just all came together," he said. 

Chris leaves for Bozeman June 27 to get a head start on some of his classes where he plans to major in psychology. The early start will allow him more time to dedicate to football training and fulfilling his scholarship obligations. He plans to run track at MSU as well, because his passion for both sports is strong. 

"As long as I can stay injury free and make the choice, I plan to continue to do both," he said. "These sports are seasonal and unique. Football is a team sport while track in an individual sport. I like the feeling I get from participating in both." 

Closing the book on a stellar high school athletic career and preparing to open the one to his collegiate future, the track standout has some advice for others testing the sprinting waters. 

"Never take a day off in training. Don't relax after winning a race. Always strive to be better and be aware of your competition," he said. 

Chris is the son of Capt. Anthony and Mrs. Sheri Wilson.