He might run solo, but Central’s Carter Meints’ favorite accomplishments are those that include all of the Bulldogs.
“Say a freshman on our team runs really well, I consider that a win for all of us,” Carter said “Even if one kid [has a personal record] at a meet that’s a win. Or say we run a nice group race where we are all together, that’s also a win.”
That mindset has proven helpful for Central junior through one of the most difficult times of his life. Last track season, Carter received devastating news after practice.
“I was shocked, but there was this nagging part of me that was like, I bet I have breast cancer,” said Carter’s mom, Michelle Reinmiller.
Michelle was right, receiving the diagnosis. But the news went from bad to worse.
“I got the call confirming [breast cancer] the day that my husband had an MRI for his prostate,” Michelle said. “That evening, we got a written report indicating that he had prostate cancer.”
Both Michelle and Gary, Carter’s dad, were diagnosed with cancer on the same day.
“I remember when he told me the news, he texted me,” said Central Track & Cross Country Coach Jake Burch. “I was putting my son to bed and he said, ‘Hey I just found out both of my parents have cancer like in case it affects my mental health or anything else at practice. I just wanted you to know’.”
But it turns out that practices and meets surrounded by teammates were some of the best places for Carter to cope.
“Those are his people,” Michelle said. “I’m so grateful they got him through last year and I know they still are getting him through. That was such a relief as a parent to know that he had this community and I couldn’t be there.”
With his parents no longer able to attend races, Carter found a way to bring them with him. He led team efforts to raise money for pink cancer awareness jerseys.
“I love that it has those pink and white stripes…and that it has the ribbon on the back,” Michelle said.
He also put his parent’s initials and cancer ribbons on his calves. It’s not only a reminder for Carter, but for others to get a mammogram.
“One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer,” Carter said. “When [I am] running through the crowd, I guarantee you I see eight women and if any of them are reminded oh I need to get checked… then that’s a success for us.”
Michelle has no evidence of disease and Gary’s recent tests are looking positive.
And it’s given meaning to Carter’s push to keep going, one stride at a time, with his teammates by his side.
