Chauncey Gardner has his eyes set on gold. Everyday for the past week the Cocoa junior has been writing motivational notes in his phone, drilling the concept in his head that he is unbeatable, but to also stay HUMBLE and stay focused.
"Every dog has their day. I want to be the dog who continues to set records and be the guy to beat. I talk to my coaches every day about bringing back three rings and to remind myself the journey is not over. Only I can run the races and jump the jumps and put my names in the books as a champion."
For Gardner, the track and field journey began in 9th grade. He remembers his first meet, the Merritt Island Invitational and going head to head with senior teammate Jamel Dean, someone he credits with mentoring him and fostering his love for the sport. 11.53 in the 100, 20'3" in the long jump, and 37'8" were his results for that day. Coach Tyrone Giscombe is also Gardner's uncle, he says the youngster has grown a lot in the past two years.
"The kid that I saw as a 9th grader was an immature freshman who thought he was good, but hadn't quite reached his potential.That was his 1st meet ever. He didn't do middle school track because he played AAU basketball. I knew after that day that if he committed to the workouts that he could be really good at any event he wanted."
A two-sport athlete, who is ranked the 2nd best cornerback in the country and also plays quarterback for the Tigers, put in the work necessary to be a champion, and made it to state as a sophomore in the 200 and was a member of the school's runner-up 4x100m relay. In 2015, Gardner says he put an on a nutrition plan in addition to training.
"A great diet helps you fuel your body for the long wear and tear of the track season."
Giscombe adds that Gardner has bought into the workouts as well.
"Last year he kind of complained about hard work. Nothing is ever to much for him this year. I have a saying that goes I know you are able, but are you willing. This year he is able and willing. He embraces the hard work so he can enjoy the reward."
Gardner is reaping the benefits so far this year. He is ranked first in both sprints with personal bests of 10.51 and 21.03 which he set at the 2A Region 4 Championship last week and has the the classifications second best mark in the long jump (23'1") behind Jonah Daniels of Episcopal. He says it is important to do well in the long jump to set the tone right out of the gate.
"That is very important. If I can jump one time and hit a solid mark then that will keep my legs fresh for the prelims and finals of the running events."
Giscombe seconds that notion saying that's what cranks him up.
"When he wins the long jump or goes a distance that he is pleased with it's kind of over for the rest of the field for the entire day. I keep him fresh by letting it be known that if he sets a mark that no one can touch he doesn't have to jump in finals. That's been the case for the last two weeks. We haven't jumped in the finals a all."
The speedster loves fly 30's, 150's and 200 tempos. He knows that these last couple of weeks have been about bursting through the line no matter much of a lead he had.
For a football crazed school like Cocoa, Gardner, whose favorite workouts consists of fly 30's, 150's and 200 tempos, is putting the Tiger's track team on the map. He says it's an honor to represent his city and his school every time he steps in the blocks, he runs for his friends and family that have passed away, and for love of the sport.
"It's a honor because nobody looks at us for track, but after Friday they should take notes because we have a great group of young guys. My goals for this weekend is three state titles. Fans are going to see a kid who loves what he does and appreciates everyone around him."
After the state championship, it's back to work for the two-sport star. He will play quarterback in the school's spring game, then run at Golden South in the 100, possibly the 200, and an all-star relay team of Shaun Shivers from Chaminade, Alvin Bryant from Dr. Phillips, and Cocoa teammate Jaariq Charles.
Giscombe says the future is very bright for the Cocoa junior.
"Chauncey Gardner is truly blessed at anything he puts his mind to. What makes him such a strong runner is his competitive nature and his refuse to lose mind set. He mentioned he wants to run for the USA junior national team and I see him accomplishing that."