As the gun sounds, runners explode from the blocks and the stands erupt into cheers. This 45-year-old track meet holds special meaning to the contenders and students because of its long-standing history, which motivates competitors to do their best.
On Feb. 27, 2026, the Texas High track team competed in the annual Watty Myers & Kyle Preston Relays. Both the varsity and JV boys and girls teams finished in first place overall: 155 points to varsity boys, 169 to JV boys, 167 to JV girls and 158 to varsity girls.
“Competing in the Watty Myers track meet is a fun thing to do,” freshman Kaycee Cooper said. “Running against other people is exciting for me because I get to show what I’ve been practicing on so much.”
The practices track athletes endure to prepare for meets last long and put a lot of strain on their bodies, but ultimately lead to success through their hard work ethics.
“To prepare for this meet, I did a lot of leg mobility drills and worked on my explosives,” junior Limaje Stuckey said. “Most of the drills and exercises I did were to help my legs get pumped for the meet.”
While these athletes practice day after day, some started the season recovering from injuries and must compete with less preparation than others.
“I competed in the shot put and disc,” junior Zanasia Nelson said. “I feel like I did pretty well, especially considering I just came back from an injury.”
These types of track meets motivate the contestants to go past their limits with every passing moment, allowing them to compare their performances and work harder to get better.
“Competing in this track meet is special to me,” Stuckey said. “I get to perform in front of my family and friends and see the progression I make going into my next meets.”
Each player uses different techniques to help them focus and stick to their performance against the many schools they compete with.
“I listened to music to help me stay focused when competing against all the different schools,” Nelson said. “Listening to music helps me calm down and get motivated to do my best.”
At such a notable event, student-athletes feel encouraged to represent Texas High.
“To compete in this specific track meet means a lot to me,” sophomore Bella Antwine said. “It allows me to represent my school in the best way possible and makes me want to make my school and community proud.”
