When you look at the success of Bridgeport High School track and field and cross country programs, several names likely come to mind. It’s safe to say Mark Duez will become one of the names if he isn’t already.

 

Duez, a four-year standout on both programs, isn’t finished. This afternoon, he announced he will be continuing his career as a student-athlete at the next level.

 

With family and coaches by his side, Duez will compete next year in the highly competitive Mountain East Conference. He will be a member of the Wheeling Jesuit program.

 

“I liked the overall feel of the school and campus.  I visited the school twice and felt very comfortable both times,” said Duez, who plans on studying chemistry at the school. “I had the opportunity to meet and hang out with the cross country team and felt like I fit in with the group.  Wheeling Jesuit has strong academics and successful athletic teams.”

 

WJU wasn’t the only school interested in his services. Duez was looked at by West Virginia Wesleyan, University of Charleston, Marshall, West Liberty, Nova Southeastern University, Wilmington University and several others.

 

There’s a reason for the interest. Duez has not only been part of state championship teams, he’s been an integral part of two of the most dominant Class AA programs in West Virginia.

 

In cross country he earned all-state honors in 2016 as part of the Tribe’s ‘AA’ title team. In 2017, he set a personal record of 16 minutes, 9 seconds in the Chick-fil-A Invitational.

 

The time at the Chick-fil-A event is more than just a personal record. It’s the best time ever posted in a cross country event in Bridgeport High School history.

 

In track and field his personal records are impressive as well. He’s posted a best of 2 minutes, 4.57 seconds in the 800 meters; 4 minutes, 32.07 seconds in the 1600 meters; and a time of 9 minutes, 49.86 seconds in the 3200 meters. Individually, he was fifth in the 2016 state meet and fourth in the 2017 state track meet in the 3200 meter run.

 

Duez also was part of a school record in the 4x800 meter relay. The group finished second in the state meet last year with a BHS best time of 8 minutes, 6.95 seconds.

 

BHS Coach Jon Griffith appreciates the effort in both sports.

 

“Mark has been an integral part of both programs for the last four years.  He has grown and matured over his time here and become an excellent runner,” said Griffith.

 

While he’s got the credentials, Griffith said there are a few things to polish up on to succeed in college. And he’s confident that will help him.

 

“Mark still needs to work on some of the mental aspects of training and racing.  He does pretty well, but he could still get better at managing stress and realizing his full potential,” said Griffith. “A good college program will allow him to develop that along with the increasing mileage demands at that level.” 

 

One of the things working in Duez’s favor is that he will have a little bit of inside information when he heads to Wheeling. His older brother Michael is a member of the WJU program and the person who got his younger brother into the running game.

 

“My brother, Michael, encouraged me to start running when I started high school.  He was a senior and ran both cross country and track.  I always played basketball and baseball and never considered running.  I listened to him, though, and have had a fun and successful four years,” said Duez. “The cycle repeated itself this year, he asked me to be his teammate at Wheeling Jesuit University.  There are many good programs in our area but the chance to run with my brother is priceless.”

 

Griffith said his brother is one intangible that should help. However, he said there are others.  

 

“Mark has very good speed and a good understanding of what it takes to be successful.  Having watched his brother run both here and in college gives Mark a better handle on what the differences are between high school and collegiate running,” said Griffith. “That should make the transition a little easier for him than a lot of kids.

 

“Mark is a competitor.  He loves to race and will fight to the end to try and win,” Griffith continued. “I'm sure that is a family trait, based on my knowledge of his brother, parents and grandparents.” 

 

Duez thanked his coaches, teachers and family for getting him ready for the next phase. In particular he had special praise for his parents.

 

“I have to thank my parents, Matt and Michelle, for always encouraging me.  My mom has only missed a few races in all four years,” said Duez.

 

Editor's Note: At the top, Mark Duez is surrounded by his mother Michelle and father Matt in the front. Back row, from left, assistant coaches Gina and Nathanial Lutyens, Mitchell Duez, Michael Duez and Coach Jon Griffith. Second photo shows Mark Duez at a Cross Country meet earlier this school year, while he's shown this year at a track meet leading the pack in the bottom photo.