Texas state track meet: Humble boys like chances of winning 4x400 gold

Humble's 4x400 relay team of Jedadiah Stockton, from left, Tyrone West, Jatson Hamilton and Kameron Henderson celebrates its second-place finish at the Region III-6A meet at Turner Stadium.

Danny Southall felt this season was going to be special for his 4x400 relay team at Humble. He trained the Wildcats differently compared to last year, employing varying workouts to get the most out of his runners.

Southall envisioned a Class 6A state champion.

"I saw this season in reverse order," Southall said. "It has been a crazy season, and nothing has been perfect. We have had injures where we have had to plug guys in. We have made adjustments throughout the year, and we had guys step up. This is the biggest team that I have had where they each care about one another."

Jaston Hamilton, Kameron Henderson, Jedadiah Stockton and Tyrone West will get their chance at a gold medal at the state meet on Saturday at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin.

When you ask the Humble quartet who is fastest of the four, each one will say Henderson. Southall says Henderson is a robot. The coach can't tell if he's floating or running and says the speedster seemingly doesn't get tired.

West, a Texas Tech football signee, will run anchor on Saturday,.

"I know my teammates are going to do an outstanding job putting us out in front," West said. "I’m just going to give it my all and try to bring back a medal for Humble."

The 4x400 relay finished in second place at the Region III-6A meet with a time of 3:16.62 to make it to state.

This will be the fourth straight year Humble has had a participant at the state meet. And it's the second time this season that the Wildcats are going to Austin. Southall took them to the Texas Relays to sample the experience of going against some of the fastest runners in the state.

"I haven't taken teams to the Texas Relays before," Southall said. "In the past when we have gone to state sometimes, that moment is too big for a kid, and they get shocked with everything that is going on. Taking this trip earlier in the season, the kids know what to expect from staying at the same hotel and practicing the day earlier. Nothing will be new to them going to the state meet. They have experienced it all."

Humble's relay runners credit Southall for his dedication to the track team and not giving up on his athletes all season.

"We wouldn't be here right now if it wasn't for coach Southall," Stockton said. "He always gets the most out of us even when we don't think we can go any more. He has made us stronger mentally."

The Wildcats' relay team enjoys practice and getting better each day.

"We have great work ethic," said Hamilton. "We take a lot of pride in on how much work we put in."

Southall, whose Wildcats get pumped up going against tougher opponents, likes their chances at bringing home a gold medal in the 4x400.

"We have a good shot," Southall said. "They have not seen a team like us before, and we’re healthy. We always bring our best in big-time moments. Everyone is going to bring their best out at the state meet, and we have to, too. This has been a special season for us, and I want the guys to end it on a high note."