Mesquite: Sprinter Caleb Boger
Caleb Boger #4320 competes at the 2017 UIL 6A state meet
Many people might not be aware of who Boger is yet, but they kid has the jets. This is bound to be the year he makes everyone aware of who he is. The Dallas Area sprinter had a very productive sophomore season when he topped out in the Region 1-6A finals in the 100m and ran all of the way to the UIL 6A state meet in the 200m. Boger ran 21.67 in the state finals as the youngest competitor in the 6A 200m field. However, in the summer is where he rode a wave of momentum to the national scene. Boger was very busy this summer as he ran both USATF and AAU Junior Olympic seasons.
The Woodlands College Park: Sprinter Roger Younger
Younger, had a very good junior season that had him in the driver's position with an opportunity to qualify for the UIL 6A state meet. At the Region 2-6A, Younger came down the home surging for the lead position. Battling the wind, the finish looked to be as tight as it could be between three competitors leaving Younger in the third position and out of qualifying. However, Younger's 47.83 PR has him in one of the top returning spots to be compete for a state championship.
San Antonio Warren: Distance Carlos Rodriguez
Carlos Rodriguez races at the 2017 UIL 6A state meet
Not so good state meet -- Not a problem. Rodriguez may be a little known middle distance runner, but that doesn't mean he isn't a stout runner. He was a UIL 6A finalist in the 800m last season but not many gave him a chance to medal. This year, should be a different story. One of the top returners in both the 800m and 1600m, Rodriguez could be one of the top guys all season long with a good shot at a UIL gold medal. He comes into the 2018 season with a couple of 1:53s under his belt including a 1:53.30 PR as well as a 4:25.31 PR in the 1600m.
Edinburg North: Distance Tristan Pena
PSJA Memorial: Distance Cruz Gomez
Cruz Gomez #4440 and Tristan Pena #3906 race at the 2017 UIL 6A state meet
We have a two for one on this one! Pena and Gomez have both been two very good distance runners for several years. Last season, Pena qualified for the state meet by taking second place at the Region 4-6A meet when he ran a PR of 4:14.25 to only be beaten by Sam Worley. Pena's time makes him one of the top returners as he looks to medal in his senior year at state.
Gomez took third in that Region 4-6A race behind Worley and Pena, but his time of 4:14.29 was fast enough to get him the 9th qualifying spot for state. Gomez took advantage of that and ran to a 5th place finish at state. He is already off to an outstanding junior season as he placed fifth at the UIL 6A state cross country meet and followed that up with a NXN berth.
Austin St. Stephens: Distance Crayton Carrozza
Carrozza #1000 competes at the TTFCA Meet of Champions
Nope, he isn't a UIL 6A runner, but that doesn't mean the kid can't run. SPC stud, Carrozza is the real deal and regardless of classification, division, or whatever else the kid can run. Only a junior, Carrozza is one of the top returners in the state in the 3200m and whatever meets he chooses the compete in he will surely impact it. He also has range and is one of the most complete male distance runners in the state with 1:57.09, 4:17.96, 9:19.50, and 15:25.60 5K PRs on his resume. He is the current SPC champion in cross country and in the 3200m.
Poth: Jumps Jake Lamberth
Lamberth competes at the 2017 Great Southwest Classic
So, it may sound crazy to call a guy who can jump 6'10.75" an X-factor, but he is. He has yet to win a state title and yet to bet the best jumper in the state. However, that may change this year.
Heading into junior year, his best jump was at 6-2. That immediately changed during the indoor season when he went 6-5.25 and then 6-6 in back to back meets in January. From there, he flew under the radar until a 6-7 jump at regionals and he began to soar from there. A 6-9 hop at the UIL 3A state meet earned him the silver medal and he leaped 6-10.75 at the Great Southwest Classic for second place.
Lamberth would add the AAU Junior Olympic Games title to close out his junior season. Watch out for the small school kid as he has high heights in mind.
Houston Langham Creek: Jumps Eke Golden
Eke Golden collected several medals throughout last season
Golden is an all around athlete. He just started taking track serious last year and it paid off. The kid can do it all, but he makes his mark in the field events. Currently, his niche seems to be in the triple jump and the long jump. He was able to get a 23-1.25 long jump PR and a 47-3 triple jump PR last year. With a lot of the big time jumpers graduating, Golden could be one of the more experienced guys coming back this season.
With the progress he made in one season, keep an eye out for Golden this year because it could be a major year for him.