Rowlett junior Marquise Goodwin kept his own schedule at the state meet, literally down to the minute, as he competed in five events in an eight-hour span.
Boys track and field athlete of the year: Rowlett's Marquise Goodwin
5-29-2008
Lately, Goodwin's to-do list includes TV appearances and other interviews centered on how he medaled in those five events and led Class 5A Rowlett to its first team championship.
The magnitude of it all – winning gold in the long jump (26-1 ½ ), triple jump (50-0 ½ ), 4x100 relay (40.26) and getting silver in the 100 (10.38) and bronze in the 4x200 relay (1:26.15) – still resonates with Goodwin. Basking in the glow with his teammates has made it that much sweeter.
"We deserved that," Goodwin said. "We worked so hard this year. We left it all out on the track and did what we needed to do."
Goodwin already is looking ahead. This summer, he will compete in the Junior Outdoor Championships in Columbus, Ohio and try to qualify for the World Youth Games in Poland. His focus will be in the 100 and long jump. He'll also try to earn a spot on a sprint relay team.
And, of course, his senior track season will bring heightened attention.
"More will be expected of him, and he has the maturity and the ability to handle whatever comes his way." Rowlett coach David Nanez said.
ROWLETT, JR.
At state: Won long jump (26-1 ½ ), triple jump (50-0 ½ ), second in 100 (10.38); part of winning 4x100 relay (40.26) and third-place 4x200 (1:26.15) relay.
About Goodwin: Learned how to jump while in Lubbock, where he lived until he was 12. Nickname is Pookie.
Did you know? Draws inspiration from his mother, Tanina Goodwin, and younger sisters Deja (16), Brye (13) and Shay (10). "They've been there for me through everything. I just want to tell them that I love them."
RECENT WINNERS
| Year | Name | School | | 2003 | Earvin Parker | Lewisville | | 2004 | Jason Richardson | Cedar Hill | | 2005 | Matthew Harding | South Garland | | 2006 | Jacques Caldwell | Garland | | 2007 | Tyron Stewart | Cedar Hill | |
Greg Williams
LANCASTER
At state: Led Lancaster to its first 4A team title since winning back-to-back championships in 2003 and 2004
About Williams: Is in his 11th year as head coach and 20th year at the school overall.
Did you know: Enjoys mysteries. "I've fallen in love with The First 48, and I'm a Perry Mason fan."
Tyler Stephenson
LANCASTER, SO.
At state: Second in 4A 300 hurdles (37.88).
About Stephenson: Ran 110 hurdles as a freshman on the junior varsity, moved up to varsity at district to replace an injured teammate and reached regionals. Started 300 hurdles this year and said not in his "wildest imagination" did he think he would place so high at state.
Did you know? "Je m'apelle Tyler. [My name is Tyler.] I speak a little French."
Rowlett 4x100
JARED JACKSON, MARQUISE GOODWIN, NICK SMITH, KYLE CLEMONS
At state: Won 4x100 in 40.26
About the team: The time of 40.26 is listed at No. 1 in the nation this season by DyeStat.com.
Secret to success: "We did plenty of stationary work, like getting our hand back there real quick and making sure it was in one motion." Kyle Clemons
