Mesquite Poteet junior Kendrick Smallwood wasn't just the best hurdler in the state, he was the best in the nation for most of the 2021 track and field season

They'll be the leaders of the state next year as seniors. However, many of the junior class boys sprinters and hurdlers didn't wait until next year to make that claim.

The class of 2022 was loaded with speed. With athletes like Tyler King of Alief Taylor Brenen Thompson of Spearman , Logan Popelka of Wylie, and Khamari Terrell of Killeen Shoemaker competing at the state meet, winning medals, and state championships, it was clear these guys were on their way to big things.

King led the boys in the 100m and 200m with his 10.21 and 20.74 as he was able to win a bronze medal in the UIL 6A state 200m race. Thompson captured the silver medal in the UIL 3A 100m and then the gold in the 200m.

In the 400m rankings, it was Terrell leading the country most of the year with his 46.26. Eric Hemphill was the other junior able to dip under ...