Photo Gallery: 2008-09 HS GameTime year-end honorees

Reggie Wyatt, blowing around the track, elicited gasps and shrieks from crowds everywhere he went this season.

The well-chiseled Wyatt chewed up big chunks of real estate in fast strides, raising pulses and shattering records.

The Riverside La Sierra senior earned a share of the team championship by himself at the CIF-State meet. He won the 400 meters (46.13 seconds) and the 300 hurdles (36.71), setting a national record (35.02) in the latter event during the prelims.

Wyatt called it the best weekend of his career, and nobody was arguing.

"It was a great experience," Wyatt said. "I always wanted to win the state title by myself, but it wasn't something I expected."

For his efforts, Wyatt is the HS GameTime boys athlete of the year.

Wyatt impressed onlookers with not only his mind-boggling talent, but also his humility.

"One word came to mind when I saw him run: Wow," Moreno Valley Rancho Verde coach Chris Drescher said. "He was absolutely amazing. I'm a fan of the hurdles, and the sense of grace he had, along with power, technique and athleticism, was just amazing.

"He's also an outstanding young man. The way he carries himself is something. He's not arrogant; he's humble and approachable. He has a lot of character."

The folks in Sacramento were so impressed they invited him to the state capitol, where he met some politicians, as well as 1968 Olympic bronze medalist John Carlos, famous for his Black Power demonstration on the victory stand in Mexico City.

"That was a great experience," Wyatt said.

Wyatt, headed to USC in the fall, next will run in the Junior Nationals this week in Oregon, where he will attempt to qualify for next month's Pan Am Games.

"It's one of my goals," he said. "If I make it, then great."

Reach John Murphy at jomurphy@pe.com

STORY: Girls athlete of the year