AUSTIN – The Lancaster boys team had the worst possible start Friday at the UIL state track and field meet.

But as Lancaster has shown the last seven years, it's not the start that matters but rather the finish. And the Tigers certainly know how to close.

Lancaster recovered from a dropped baton in the 4x100 relay by winning the 4x400 relay to close the day and claim its second consecutive Class 4A state team title.

"I'm very excited. This is just a blessing," said Lancaster boys coach Greg Williams, who won his fourth state team title in his 12th season. "We've instilled the mentality into them that you have to be strong to finish, and we were today."

Lancaster certainly knows how to go out in style. Since 2003, Lancaster's 4x400 relay has finished no worse than second in the final event at state. Lancaster has won the 4x400 relay at state five of the last six years.

Lancaster's 4x400 win in three minutes, 13.55 seconds helped it jump Waxahachie in the team standings. Lancaster finished with 52 points, 15 ahead of Waxahachie, which won the 4x100 relay and was second in the 4x200. Texarkana Texas High and Fort Worth Eastern Hills tied for third with 36 points.

Lancaster's night began with a dropped baton on the first exchange of the Tigers' all-senior 4x100 relay. Lancaster managed to regain the baton but finished last.

Despite the miscue, Williams was pleased that his team just didn't quit after the drop.

"I told them that I was proud they finished the race," Williams said. "I knew coming in that somebody was going to have a little slip up. But I knew these kids could overcome it, and I'm so proud they did."

Louisville signee Howard Shepard led the way. Shepard, who ran a leg on the 4x400 relay, also won the 800 meters (1:52.69) and was fifth in the 400 (48.74). Tyler Stephenson finished second in the 300 hurdles (37.67) and fourth in the 110 hurdles (13.95), and Kendall Hayes was second in the 110 hurdles (13.71).

"When I saw the dropped baton happen, I knew we had to pick it up," Hayes said. "It was motivating. We had to step up and perform, and we did."