Two years ago, Dante Kaintz found his sport.

The Catasauqua senior played baseball and basketball in elementary and middle school, and he didn’t play any sports his freshman year.

In his sophomore year, Kaintz discovered track and it was an instant attraction. He also got a push from a former jumping standout.

“I loved it in an instant,” said Kaintz. “Ricky Houser helped me get into it. He talked to me about jumping and thought I would be good at it. Track has become a big part of my life.”

Kaintz than began his current status by participating in the high jump, long jump, triple jump, and also being a member of the team’s 4x100 relay team.

His first season was slowed due to back problems, but he soon bounced back. Kaintz did have some issues his junior year with tendinitis.

Kaintz has set a personal record in the 100 with a time of 11.5 and also has hit 5-6 in the high jump.

This season, he had a mark of 18-8 in the long jump and 33-6 in the triple jump during a meet against Saucon Valley.

Kaintz began jumping when he was little and later worked with youth in jumping at the Catasauqua YMCA.

“I feel like I am off to a good start,” he said. “But I know I can do better in all of the jumps. We are hoping to get a good time in the 4x100 relay.”

Kaintz, one of a handful of seniors on the roster, likes the chemistry of the team.

“We have a group that is really involved,” said Kaintz. “We are really competitive with each other in a good way. Everyone really supports each other, and we all have been getting better.”

Head coach Kyle Rusnock knows he can count on Kaintz.

“Dante (Kaintz) has emerged as one of the leaders of the team,” he said. “He is unselfish and helps other out. He is a great athlete and excels at several events. Dante can score a lot of points for us.”

Kaintz credits his older brother, Antonio, who excelled in football and track at Allen High School, as playing a major role in his career.

“My brother did it all,” said Kaintz. “He really pushed me to do two sports and to do as well as I could. He has really helped.”

After high school, Kaintz plans to attend Lehigh County Community College or Kutztown University and plans to pursue a degree in either criminal justice or computer science.

Yet, track will be in the picture.

“I want to stay in track somehow,” he said. “I definitely can see myself coaching. It (track) will always be a big part of my life.”