A scarlet “W” emblazoned on Camden Capehart’s chest stood for Winnsboro, but last Thursday in Austin, it meant “winner.” The Red Raider racer won the 100-meter dash last Thursday evening, finishing in 10.44 seconds to eclipse the boys 3A field by .17 seconds under cloudy skies and the Mike A. Myers stadium lights.

There was some tension leading into the state finals heat, with the girls 3A 100-meter dash having multiple false starts. After three misfires without disqualifications, the girls’ race was briefly delayed, and the boys stepped into the starting blocks, battling tightening ligaments and mercurial leg muscles.

Wielding mint-green spikes on his feet, two silver chains dangling from his neck, donning black shorts and a red-and-black-striped top in lane seven, Capehart had, “a decent block start for me. I probably lifted up a little bit too early, but I still got the job done. My finish was great, it just felt good.”

He was certain he’d earned gold when crossing the finish line and it was, “great to know that I got first,” especially against such fast runners in a great competition.

Capehart enjoyed his first trip to Austin, sharing it with family and friends and hopes to return since, “it’s a great atmosphere – it’s crazy, it’s fun.”

Reflecting on the season, he referenced a record-setting 10.08-second time at the White Oak meet, noting that he’d not been able to replicate such speed, while being quietly confident that it is feasible. The sophomore will have more chances to do so next year and, “it’s very possible that I can do it again.”

Quitman senior Dakota Jimenez ran a 1:56.54 in the 800-meter run to place 5th.

Winning time in the event was 1:53.54.

For the third consecutive year, the Mineola girls 4x400 relay team placed 7th in 4:03.6. Winning time was 3:50.19 by Universal City Randolph.

Raylie Peebles, Carmen Carrasco, Stephanie Rojas and Olivia Hughes made up the team. They managed to shave .23 of a second off last year’s time, though  not quite equaling their school-record time of 4:02.44 set at the regional meet.