Airdrie Aces athlete Scott Chalupiak (PHOTO: Courtesy Jodie Matsuba-Szucs)

While Airdrie residents were brushing snow off of their vehicles and sanding sidewalks after another blast of winter this past weekend, an Airdrie teen was making his presence known on the track - in California.

Airdrie Aces athlete and Grade 10 student at George Mac Scott Chalupiak managed yet another personal best time competing in the Arnie Robinson track meet in the sunshine state. Competing against athletes 18 years and older, this young track star managed a time of 1:55.74 to secure second place in the collegiate level mens' 800 metres.

Chalupiak is staying put in California this week to race at the Arcadia Invitational high school meet which he was invited to participate. The premier meet will have nearly 600 schools represented, with about 160 of those from out of state. Eager to proudly display his George Mac singlet, Chalupiak will race this Saturday with the hopes of besting his 1:55 time in the 800 metres.

Jodie Matsuba-Szucs, president of the Airdrie Aces, says Chalupiak is physically ready - and he is focused on his goal. As his mom, Jodie is confident her son will maintain that dogged determination to beat his time. She'll be flying down to California in this week in time to watch her son compete.

Chalupiak will be racing in the 800m against grade 12 athletes.