BY RICH PALZEWIC
CORRESPONDENT

SUAMICO – Bay Port’s Cordell Tinch is considered one of the best all-around athletes in the state. It’s because of that talent that the 6-foot-3 senior will be continuing his athletics and academics at the next level.

Tinch, a two-time WIAA track and field individual state champ, will be joining the University of Minnesota’s track/field and football teams next year. Minnesota is a member of the B1G 10 with UW-Madison.

“I want to thank my family and all the people that have helped me through this journey,” said Tinch, who broke the state record in the triple jump with a leap over 49 feet at the 2017 WIAA state meet in Lacrosse. “I’d like to also thank my coaches and teammates who helped me become the player and man I am today. I am extremely excited to continue my track/field and football career at the University of Minnesota. I will do track and field right away my freshman year but will redshirt in football.”

Tinch also won the long jump (24-02.25) and took second in the high jump (6-8) and 110-meter hurdles (14.59) his junior year.

Tinch should have a legitimate shot to win all four events next season.

In addition to his track and field accolades, Tinch was a big part of the Pirates’ success on the football season this past fall, where the team went 11-1 and made it to the state quarterfinals for the second straight year. Tinch garnered first-team all-conference honors after hauling in 70 passes for 964 yards and nine touchdowns.

Tinch is also off to a hot start with the No. 2 ranked Bay Port basketball team, where he is currently averaging 17.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Tinch is also averaging 2.8 assists, 2.8 steals and 1.8 blocks per contest.