Rowlett senior Marquise Goodwin knows all about pressure. Raised by a single mother, Goodwin matured quickly while helping look after his three younger sisters.

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Goodwin also became a leader well before his ascension to national track and field stardom.

So he insists he feels no pressure heading into the UIL state track and field meet Saturday in Austin, where he'll take a second crack at winning five gold medals.

Goodwin, who has signed a track scholarship with Texas but also plans to play football, will compete in the Class 5A long jump, triple jump, 100 meters, 200 and on Rowlett's 4x100 relay.

Last year at state, Goodwin won gold medals in the long jump, triple jump and 4x100 relay but finished second in the 100 and third in the 4x200.

"This year, I'm not trying to make it like a job, like it has been in past years," Goodwin said. "This year, it's my last time and I'm just trying to have fun."

ERICH SCHLEGEL / Special to DMN

Rowlett's Marquise Goodwin, winning his regional's long jump, must contend with high school graduation the night before the state meet.

Goodwin didn't look like he was having much fun after competing in five events two weeks ago at the 5A Region II meet at Baylor. After finishing his last event – the 200 – Goodwin headed straight for the training table near the finish line. He lay on the table, gasping for air.

"I was out of it," Goodwin said. "My body was gone. I was just tired."

He certainly won't be rested come Saturday. Goodwin will be at Rowlett's graduation tonight, and the ceremony doesn't begin until 8:30 p.m. The late start means Goodwin won't arrive in Austin until early Saturday morning, then he'll compete in five events in temperatures that are expected to climb into the mid-90s.

"Everything will work out – hopefully," Goodwin said. "Who wouldn't want to win five gold medals at state? It's going to be pretty hard, but I think I can do it."Note: Top 2009 UIL times and marks are from www.texastrack.com and www.jsrelays.org.