Career goal waits one more weekend

Nick Mehalechko is quick.

That has nothing to do with the fact that he runs like a gazelle.

Sure, the Post Falls senior track/football star has been known to leave competitors wandering through his vapor trail, but he has a mind to match.

That’s part of the reason why, when State 4A track ends this weekend at Boise State, Mehalechko has decided to hang up his spikes.

Mehalechko will go back to BSU this fall, but not for the sports. He wants to be an English teacher. If the pages turn the way he hopes, he’ll also become a writer.

But that’s after state.

He’s excited at the possibility of the boys team placing. In his events – the 100 and 200 meters, and leading off the 4x200, Mehalechko also has high hopes.

“We’re closing in on the school record in the 4x200 and also the second-fastest time ever down at state,” he said of the unlikely foursome that includes ex-distance runner Seth Hyde, hurdler Brad Reynolds and the only other true speed guy, Bryce Derrickson. “That will be fun to run – I’m most excited about that one, and breaking the school record would be huge, because I think it was set in 1977.”

When asked to point to a highlight of his prolific prep sports career, Mehalechko’s mind scans the memories before he arrives at one in particular.

“It’s all been amazing,” he said. “But probably the last game of the football season – it was the last time, and I felt like I played tough, and (quarterback) Danny Mathewson hooked me up three times in row.

“So I got three touchdowns, which I’ve never done before, so it felt pretty good – it gave me a little bit of a sense of validation.”

Mehalechko said he’ll miss the immediacy of athletic competition and may just have to join an intramural sport or two.

“I talked to a couple of schools about football,” he said. “And you know, the last year of football was fun. But after I thought about it, the drive for football wasn’t there anymore – and in track I’m fast, but not quite as fast as at the college level.”