Rusty Muncy, a 2012 graduate of Kern Valley is shown here running for Briar Cliff University. Photo Courtesy of Briar Cliff University
Rusty Muncy, a 2012 graduate from Kern Valley will be inducted into the Briar Cliff University Athletic Hall of Fame. His athletic prowess at the college level was recognized, and now he will be a Hall of Famer.
Muncy who grew up in Bodfish was a standout Broncs athlete, track and field was where he really excelled. He also took his turn on the football field. Muncy, after graduating from Kern Valley went on to be a Charger at Briar Cliff. The next level was just an extension of his high school talents. His best event was the 400m hurdles and he perfected this at college. He would also be part of the 4 x 400m relay team that he would qualify for the NAIA National Meet. Because of his success he gained All-American status for the relay five times. Muncy was selected as an All-American once in the 400m hurdles.
According to the Briar Cliff University website Muncy was selected for quite the number of accolades. “Rusty Muncy had a decorated career for the Charger Track and Field team, being named a six-time All-American, nine-time GPAC Champion, and earning All-GPAC honors 27 times during his career. In 2015, Muncy was named the most outstanding performer at the GPAC Indoor Championships, where he earned All-GPAC status in all five of the events he participated, on top of winning the 60m and 200m dash. Muncy qualified for the NAIA National meet in eight different events, earning All-American status in the 400-hurdles once and the 4×400 relay five times.”
Muncy talking about the experience of becoming BCU Hall of Famer said, “When I first received the news that I will be inducted into the 2025 BCU Athletic Hall of Fame I was ecstatic. I was so happy that all my hard work and dedication to the Briar Cliff track and Field program is being recognized. I never imagined that I would have become such a successful sprinter in college due to me specializing in hurdles/jumping going into college. I hope I inspire future student/athletes that even though it’s hard or out of you comfort zone, as long as you put your mind to it, you can do anything.”
Muncy went on to say, “I want to thank coach Brian Christianson for providing me with his guidance, support, and giving me the opportunities and experiences to prepare me for college. And being an amazing friend and mentor. I also want to thank all my friends, family sponsors and KV residents for believing and supporting me through my track and field career.”
“I am so happy that Rusty has been selected to join the BCU Athletic Hall of Fame. After one year of trying different events, Rusty really burst onto the conference and national stage becoming a 24X All GPAC selection, 9x GPAC champion, selected as the Most Outstanding Male Performer at the 2015 GPAC indoor championships by scoring 30.5 points, named NAIA National Men’s Indoor Track Athlete of the Week, qualified for nationals 19 times in 8 different events, and obtaining All American honors 6 times. His versatility and reliable starts on the relays made Rusty extremely valuable to the team’s success.” This quote is attributed to Nathan Treinen, Former Head Track and Field Coach, Assistant Athletic Director.
Muncy will see his named place in the Hall of Fame on January 25. The doctrine for the BCU Hall of Fame is, “The Briar Cliff Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 1991, following the 25th anniversary of co-ed intercollegiate athletics at Briar Cliff. The Hall of Fame was formed as a means of recognizing those who have, at some point in their lives, left their mark on the Charger athletic program. The Hall of Fame is designed to include former athletes, coaches, athletic personnel, entire teams and honorary inductees.”
Former Broncs track and field head coach Brian Christianson giving his thoughts on Muncy at Kern Valley said, “Rusty (Muncy) worked very hard and excelled in a number of events in track at Kern Valley. His best events were the 300m hurdles and the long jump, but honestly if the HDL would have had a decathlon, Rusty (Muncy) would have won that easily. As good as Rusty (Muncy) was in track and field, he was equally as good as a person. It was a privilege coaching Rusty (Muncy), and I’m grateful to call him a friend.”
As the history of Kern Valley athletics age, it is quite apparent that there are those that take it to the next level and succeed. This gives hope to those that follow with the same dream.
