AG’s Kutek shows athletic versatility
Albert Gallatin’s Tanner Kutek hits a fairway shot during the Fayette Scholastic Open at Duck Hollow Golf Club in this file photo from Aug. 16, 2013.
Holly Tonini
Albert Gallatin’s Tanner Kutek takes his second attempt at the long jump during the FCCA Track & Field Championships at Connellsville Stadium on Saturday, April 26. Kutek finished fifth to earn
all-county honors in his third sport.
Three-sport athletes in high school are rare these days, but still pretty common around Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties. For those athletes to be recognized in all of their chosen sports as one of the best in their respective county is commonplace, as well.
But sometimes, as in the case of Albert Gallatin sophomore Tanner Kutek, the combination of sports is not that common, especially considering he had to play his way onto two of the three all-county teams.
Kutek opened the 2013-14 school year by finishing tied for third in the Fayette County Scholastic Open in mid-August, the first time he played in the event, at Duck Hollow Golf Club.
He received his second all-county nod (and second of the fall season) a couple months later when he was recognized for his play with the Colonial soccer team.
And, then a couple weekends ago, Kutek made all-county in his third sport when he finished fifth in the long jump.
Oh, he is concurrently playing hockey in Morgantown and was a guard on the Albert Gallatin junior varsity basketball squad in the winter season.
“My legs are killing me,” Kutek said after his day was done at the county meet, disappointed he failed to win a medal in the high jump.
“I felt great on Thursday. I jumped 6 feet, a PR (personal best).
“I look for something positive, something to boost your game.”
Kutek is “old school” in many ways in his approach.
“I like to stay outside. I like to stay in shape,” said Kutek. “I play ice hockey on a traveling team in Morgantown. I mainly play defense.”
Proficiency in golf, soccer, basketball, track & field and ice hockey is an unusual combination of skills, but Albert Gallatin Bernie Wydo can see it in Kutek.
“He’s a jack-of-all-trades. He’s pretty good at what he does,” explained Wydo.
During the golf season, Wydo accommodated the busy schedule of his No. 1 golfer.
“I tried to get him off in the first two groups, then he was off to soccer,” said Wydo.
Generally, great athletes of the major sports can be very good golfers, but rarely does one give up a lucrative career in baseball, football, basketball or hockey to golf.
But, Wydo sees how the skills translate between the sports.
“You have to be focused on all that stuff to be good. It’s more the coordination and timing. In hockey, you definitely need it,” said Wydo. “Track (and golf) is more yourself, one-on-one. You need to psyche yourself up for the high jump.
“He’s really unique to play golf, and soccer, and basketball, and hockey.”
Kutek picked up golf in middle school.
“He said ‘I’m going to do it.’ He has it natural (in golf). He’s fundamentally sound,” said Wydo of his left-hander, who is also a good student.
“Every sport he has high hopes. He thinks he can do better. I think it’s his mental attitude of being a competitor that sets him off. He wants to get better, and better, and better.”
It’s almost as though Wydo took the words right of Kutek’s mouth.
“I don’t like to lose. I’m always trying to win,” said Kutek.
The different sports have melded into his attitude towards competing.
“You don’t let anyone intimidate you. I have to have the mindset you’re the best one out there,” said Kutek.
Kutek will go back-and-forth from the track to the golf course over the next couple weeks.
He, along with his Albert Gallatin teammates, will participate in the WPIAL Class AAA central regional qualifier Tuesday at Norwin, seeking a top-8 finish in the high and long jumps to earn a spot in the WPIAL Individual Track & Field Championships at Baldwin on Thursday, May 15.
Then, on Monday, May 12, he will pick up his clubs to play in the “Best-of-the-Best” golf tournament at Ligonier Country Club.
And, there’s some ice time as well for the odd hockey game.