Kinugasu, Tetsuhiko
Summary
Tetsuhiko Kinugasu serves as the track captain when Yamato first joins the team, specializing in shot put. He frequently puts Yamato in a headlock or forces him to do extra training, holding high expectations for him. In fact, his standards are so intense that he cannot bear to watch Yamato run during actual tournaments, often hiding behind trees instead. Although he has graduated and is now attending Seijo University, he returns to check on the high school track team, much to Yamato’s displeasure. Upon learning of Yamato and Suzuka’s recommendations, Kinugasu offers to give them a tour of the campus. Later, while supporting his former high school at a rookie track meet, he overhears Yamato tell Suzuka that she will see him win at the college level. This prompts Kinugasu to put Yamato in a headlock and declare that he will personally train Yamato before the start of the academic term. During these sessions, Yamato becomes distracted, so Kinugasu invites him out to eat and brings Souichi and Arima along, hoping that seeing Arima will reignite his competitiveness. He expresses disappointment that Yamato did not discuss his situation with him beforehand. Kinugasu ensures Yamato understands the consequences of dropping out of Seijo University, warning that it would likely mean the university will no longer accept members from their high school for selections. After witnessing Yamato and Suzuka apologize to the track club, he ultimately expresses his support for their choice.
