With a good showing at the Fighting Scots Invitational, the Allegheny men’s and
women’s track and field teams have their sights set on a bigger picture — the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Championships.
“Compared to our first meet, everyone was a lot stronger,” said Matthew Reynolds, ’25. “There was definitely some more confidence out there. It was a really good showing, so I’m looking forward to conferences.”
Reynolds, named captain this year, has battled injury throughout the season and is pushing hard to make the final meet. Despite his limitations, he competed in the shot put event last weekend, placing 15th with his best throw coming in at 9.40 meters. He said the indoor season may not go his way, but has high hopes for outdoor play.
In the meantime, Reynolds is happy to be a beam of light for his teammates, even if he is not participating himself.
“In the event where I can’t compete in conferences, I’m looking forward to supporting the team,” Reynolds said. “It will be a good time.”
When healthy, Reynolds is a fierce competitor with sheer indefatigability, as the multi-event athlete partakes in 15 different areas of the sport. He has multiple practices per day and spends countless hours in David V. Wise Center, Allegheny’s indoor training facility.
There is a rigorous program for Allegheny’s athletes to complete each day designed by second-year head coach Ben Mourer, ’07. Typically, the schedule consists of one workout to induce fatigue, followed by another that requires strength.
The goal is for the Gators to be able to produce at a high level when tired. It may seem like a lot to endure, but it resulted in three wins for the college in the pole vault, shotput and one-mile run during their most recent event.
Mourer returned to his alma mater in December 2015 to be the head coach of the men’s and women’s cross country teams. He also agreed to assist in the track and field department until his promotion to hold the reins in 2022.
His resume is nothing to scoff at. Mourer has coached five All-Americans and countless All-Conference and All-Region athletes. In 2019, he helped coach Emily Forner, ’19, to a Division III
Indoor National Championship in the 3K.
Rich in the history of Blue and Gold, Mourer’s athletic career was just as reputable. He was a part of the Gator track and field and cross country teams during the best runs each program has ever seen. He won eight conference championships in total during his athletic tenure, and registered a pair of top-10 team finishes at the NCAA Championship in cross country.
Mourer was could not be reached for comment.
Also putting together a stellar season for Allegheny is Logan Wagner, ’26. Placing second in the 400 meter run with a time of 1:02.66, she bested her previous best by more than seven seconds.
“I pretty much crossed the finish line and almost was in tears,” Wagner said. “It is something that I have been hoping for. Finally seeing everything come together, it was a big moment for me.”
Despite running her best and seeing sterling results to follow, her mindset before the race was not as inspiring. Wagner recalled the nerves she had, and confided in Reynolds for help to dismiss her hindering thoughts.
The two talked and then worked on a technique Reynolds regularly conducts — shaking it out. He instructed Wagner to focus on the positive aspects of her craft which led the Woodville, Ohio, product to that moment. It was the perfect combination of potions to get Wagner in the zone.
“I love that he (Reynolds) is a team captain,” Wagner said. “He’s definitely needed. “He is the light of all of us.”
Wagner’s freshman campaign did not go as expected. According to her standards, she underperformed, did not compete well and knew there was more in the tank. She took it upon herself to hone in on the fundamentals.
Wagner got stronger in the weight room and faster through practice.
The work Wagner put in brought about a change in mindset. Whereas before, she would focus on how hard the work is, now it is about staying in the moment.
“It’s going to be hard in general,” Wagner said. “It’s just taking it day-by-day, and don’t worry about what’s to come and what’s next.”
Allegheny will show at the Dr. Taraschke Team Challenge as they look to continue their recent success. All events are scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 27.
Although there are still four more meets until the PAC Indoor Championships, Reynolds said each one is crucial to keep polishing their work. Still, it is on the team’s mind as they aim towards the Feb. 22 showdown in Youngstown, Ohio.
