Red Oak senior Michael Carter Jr., whose father owns the state and national shot put record and whose sisters own the state meet records in the shot put and discus, is in position to add his gold to the family hardware. His throw of 61-9 easily won the 4A Region II meet, and he is seeded first in the division. Carter, a Louisiana-Lafayette signee, finished third in 2007.

Carter's biggest competition could come from his teammate, third-seeded Corwin Pace (57-9 ½ ) .

In 5A, Rio Grande City's Stephen Sanez owns the state's top throw at 67-6 ¾ . Cedar Hill's Tyler Washington and Jesuit's Brandon Haynes should contend for a spot in the top five.

Whitesboro's Hayden Ballio, who threw 66-0 this year, has consistently beat 4A and 5A competitors and is miles ahead in the 3A field. His closest competitor is Canton's Keavon Milton, who threw 53-4 ¼ in the regional meet.

MICHAEL CARTER: Thomas Jefferson