It won't be surprising if Lewisville's Brandon Tucker beats everyone in the 110- and 300-meter hurdles at the 5A state meet. It will be surprising, however, if he beats everyone to the first hurdle.

Tucker, who has the area's best time in each event, isn't quick out of the blocks. But that helps motivate him.

"It's good to have people pushing me to the first hurdle," he said. "When I can see people, that drives me."

The chance to improve also drives the senior, who finished fifth in the 110 and seventh in the 300 at last year's state meet. Tucker watches every race on videotape, he said, and that has helped him attack the hurdles better.

It has also helped him become one of the favorites in each hurdles event.

"I feel pressure, but I like to be at the top," he said. "I've worked so hard since my freshman year to get here."

Matt Wixon