Garret Gundy is a true believer that everything happens for a reason.
In fact, the Hockinson High School senior said for him, it’s twofold: football, and in daily life.
It’s the same Gundy whose a self-described man of the house as the oldest of three boys raised by their single mother, Tracy.
Then there’s football, the sport and a role Gundy’s made his own in the final year of high school, when he’s shined brightest on the biggest stage playing for the Class 2A defending state champions.
“I’ve waited for my chance,” said Gundy, 18. “Now I’m making the most of it.”
Gundy’s rise from a once sub-varsity left guard and right tackle to an all-league linebacker this fall isn’t a surprise to those who know him best.
Coach Rick Steele praises Gundy’s work ethic accomplished outside of football, including two other sports, that got him to where he is today: a cornerstone of the Hawks’ defense that faces a stiff quarterfinal test in ninth-seed Steilacoom (10-1) in their 2A state quarterfinal Friday. Kickoff is 6 p.m. at Camas’ Doc Harris Stadium.
Gundy still relishes the moments playing on special teams in last December’s 2A state championship game, and celebrating the school’s first football title to cap a 14-0 season.
But he also looked toward the future, not only for his team, but for himself.
With more experienced players in line, Gundy saw limited action in 2017. Never one to be discouraged, he instead picked apart film and watched closely at other teammates.
One of those was now-graduated all-state linebacker Colton Wheeler.
“I had to look at what they were doing,” Gundy said, “and take it into this year. … I wanted to lead this team, and my biggest goal was my teammates knowing they could trust me.”
But he didn’t stop there. Gundy is the first to admit he never used to be this quick and Hockinson coaches also can agree to that. So he turned out for track and field to work on speed.
He also wasn’t this disciplined. That’s where wrestling at 160 pounds comes from. He hovers around 190 pounds now.
Speed and agility plus strength and discipline. Both sports go hand-in-hand with football.
“A lot of my tackles come off of being disciplined and staying home and not pursuing it,” Gundy said.
No one has seen Gundy’s change quite like Wyatt Jones. Their friendship dates back to sixth grade at Hockinson Middle School, and Jones remembers Gundy showing him the ropes football when Jones decided to give the game a try in eighth grade.
The next year, Jones played quarterback and Gundy was the left guard. That was ages ago. Now, the two rarely step off the field.
“I’ve always known him to be an athletic kid,” Jones said, “It’s really his time to shine and show what he’s always been able to do.”
Defense is Gundy’s strength, but he’s also shined on offense at slot receiver. In last week’s first-round win over Washington of Tacoma, Gundy had two catches for 23 yards to increase the season total to 14 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown. He’s started at both slot receiver and linebacker the past five games.
Hockinson has won 24 consecutive games dating back to the 2017 season opener. No 2A team has repeated as state champions since Lynden won three straight in 2011-13.
For Gundy, everything that’s happened for a reason happens to lead to good things.
“That’s something I’ve lived off of,” Gundy said.
