Twins of the Triple Jump

Twin brothers and triple jumpers Kevin and Kyle Carano are competitive about more than just track and field.

By Jeff Dockum

Track and field is as competitive a sport as they come. But for Fresno State seniors and twin brothers Kyle and Kevin Carano, track and field is the least competitive of what is a very competitive relationship between the brothers.

Both specialize in the triple jump and the long jump, where both work extremely hard to push each other.

“ We have a great relationship as twin brothers,” said Kyle, the younger of the two by two minutes. “We push and encourage each other with track and in life, but track is the least competitive among us out of everything.”

Kevin echoed this sentiment.

“ We are competitive 24-7,” Kevin said. “We share the same car, TV, Playstation, Xbox everything.”

The two are each other’s biggest critics and know how to get on each other’s nerves, but it’s not always a bad thing.

“ I am happier when he does better than I do. I used to beat him all the time,” Kevin said jokingly.

Both twins have been involved in track and field since elementary school. They grew up trying every sport, but excelled most in track. In junior high neither participated in track, but idolized former Hoover High star Duran Archie, who got them back into track when they attended Hoover.

“ We mimicked him and wanted to be exactly like him,” Kyle said.

Archie got the twins interested in staying home in Fresno to attend Fresno State and participate in track and field. At Fresno State, they have excelled and brought a smile to coach Bob Fraley.

“ The Carano twins are so enthusiastic,” Fraley said. “They are great competitors with great goals. They are team leaders that set the tone for the entire team. If we need to win a big meet, the Caranos will come through.”

In 2002, Kyle had the team-best mark in the triple jump at 52-feet, 1-inch, and Kevin had the third-best mark at 50-feet, 1 3/4-inches.

“ We are almost always within an inch of each other,” Kyle said.

Both are looking forward to the USA nationals, which start in June.

As both prepare to close their Bulldog careers in style with the conclusion of the track season near, they are looking forward to the future. Both want to become teachers and coach track and field.

However, coach Fraley said he feels they could accomplish more in track and field down the line.

“ They haven’t reached full potential just yet,” Fraley said. “Their biggest asset is their dedication.”

Fraley also sees a bright future for the twins outside of competing in track and field.

“ With their good positive attitude, they are going to make solid coaches and teachers. We need them in education.”

Kyle, who injured his hamstring, but said he is now almost 100 percent healthy, wants to jump at the Olympic trials in Sacramento next year.

“ As long as I am jumping to my standards, I will keep going,” Kyle said. “The day I am not jumping to my standards, I will hang them up.”

Kevin, who is recovering from an ankle injury, wants to make nationals and qualify in regionals.

“ That’s the goal once my ankle gets better,” Kevin said.

What is certain about the Fresno State twins of track is that they succeeded together, just like everything they have done in life.