UIL Region 2-6A Boys Meet Preview

The boys' 100-meter dash at this weekend's meet in Waco is shaping up to be one of the most electrifying events of the entire track season. Headlining the star-studded field is Brayden Williams (Duncanville), a UIL 6A state finalist in 2024 and a name that carries serious weight in Texas sprinting circles. Known for his explosive starts and top-end speed, Williams will face some of the toughest competition yet in his road back to the state finals.

At the top of the rankings heading into Waco is Braylin Byrd (Tomball Memorial), who blazed to a jaw-dropping 10.18 (w), one of the fastest mark in the state this year. Byrd, was a rising senior and one of the hottest names in the country, has completely risen and is coming into his own as a serious contender not only for a state title but also for national recognition. The buzz surrounding him is real, and all eyes will be on his showdown with Williams.

Adding even more fire to the track is Tanook Hines (Spring Dekaney), a dynamic athlete and the breakout wide receiver and sprinter from last football season. Now hitting his stride on the track, Hines clocked a strong 10.51, showing he's just getting warmed up. His raw athleticism makes him a threat anytime he's in the blocks.

Two underclassmen bringing serious speed are Myson Johnson-Cook (DeSoto) and Braylon Davis (Waxahachie). While not in the top eight times just yet, these young talents are more than capable of pulling off a surprise or pushing veterans to new limits.

Let's not forget Chinweoke Onwuchekwa, a freshman from Houston Cyp. Springs, who shocked everyone with a blazing 10.20 (w) to land second in the incoming regional rankings from the Area Championships. Add in speedsters like Abraham Olufemi-Dada (Houston Cyp. Lakes) and Micah Washington (Klein Collins), and you've got a field that promises fireworks from the gun to the finish.

This weekend's sprints aren't just races-they're statements. Waco is about to witness a collision of youth, experience, and raw speed, and it's going to be unforgettable.

The speed doesn't let up in the 200-meter dash, where the race is set to be just as thrilling-if not more-than the 100m. At the top of the rankings is Tanook Hines from Spring Dekaney, who scorched the track with a stunning 20.62, putting himself squarely in the national spotlight. The 2024 UIL 6A 200m runner-up is known for his breakaway speed on the football field, Hines is now back to dominating on the track as well, proving he's more than just a dual-sport athlete-he's a sprinter with world-class potential.

Right behind him is Braylin Byrd of Tomball Memorial, continuing his reign of speed with a blazing 20.69. Byrd is showing incredible consistency in both the 100m and 200m, and his top-end speed down the curve makes him a legitimate threat to take the crown in any meet he enters. The matchup between Byrd and Hines is the kind of showdown fans live for-two elite athletes pushing each other into all-time territory.

Emerging stars like Montre Jackson (Garland Lakeview Centennial) are also making waves. The sophomore clocked a swift wind legal 21.15 (+1.0) to rank third entering the region and is proving that the future of sprinting in Texas is in very capable hands. Just a tenth of a second behind are Darnell Jackson (Conroe Grand Oaks) and Samuel Williams (North Garland) (also with a legal +1.0 wind reading), both at 21.23, showing that depth in this event is incredibly strong.

Rounding out the top group and under 21.40 are Kevin Cooper (Cypress Woods) and Justin Williams (Klein Forest), both with matching 21.38 performances. With so many athletes running sub-21.5 times, the competition is tighter than ever, and every phase of the race-from the drive out of the blocks to the final lean at the line-will matter.

Expect fireworks in the 200m finals. With veterans and rising stars alike gunning for greatness, the lanes are set, the times are fast, and the show is just getting started.

The 400-meter dash looks poised to be a showcase for Christian Witcher (Conroe Grand Oaks), who has firmly established himself as the dominant force in the long sprint this season. With a Area-best 46.77, Witcher holds the top mark heading into the postseason and has displayed remarkable consistency throughout the year. His smooth stride, controlled opening 200, and powerful finish make him a standout in a race that demands both endurance and precision. He has a 46.58 PR, but should be ready to go faster this weekend if he needs to.

Witcher's times have not only set him apart in Texas but have placed him among the nation's best. He's shown an uncanny ability to hit his splits and maintain form deep into the homestretch, often pulling away from the field in the final 100 meters. If he continues this trend, the title could very well be his to lose.

Without Heath Grant (Willis) in the field like many expected, who is going to pose a real challenge to Witcher? Grant is a fellow 46-second runner and qualified to his area meet. However, he DNFed at Area and won't be competing in the 400m this weekend.

Challenging Witcher, however, is Derrick Page (Forney), who sits as the second best Area performer with a strong 47.78. Page has been steadily improving all season and has the strength to push Witcher in what could become a thrilling head-to-head battle. Not far behind are Preston Ayers (Houston Cyp. Ranch) and Keaton Washington (Waco Midway), posting 48.21 and 48.22, respectively. Both athletes have the talent and race experience to make a serious move if the leaders falter.

With this deep field, the 400m final could turn into a true test of grit and race strategy. But based on his form and dominance this season, Christian Witcher remains the man to beat.

With last year's Region 2-6A state meet qualifiers in the 800-meter run having graduated, the door is wide open for a new group of contenders to make their mark-and the race is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and exciting of the postseason.

Leading the charge is Heath Grant (Willis), who enters with the fastest area time at 1:51.80. A senior with poise and control, Grant has separated himself with a strong combination of front-running ability and a devastating kick over the final 200 meters. His performance at the Area 13-6A meet was not only a statement win but a display of tactical brilliance, signaling he may be ready to take the regional crown.

Grant won the region in the 400m last season, but just missed out on qualifying in the 800m, but that shouldn't be a problem as he didn't finish in the 400m at the area meet.

Zachary Brumfield (Wylie) follows as the second-fastest qualifier with a time of 1:54.77. Just a junior, Brumfield has shown exceptional growth this season, consistently shaving seconds off his previous bests. His ability to stay composed in fast races and surge late makes him a serious threat, especially in a championship setting.

Also in the mix are Franklin Perez (Lancaster) and Evan Martin (Rockwall Heath), both running strong times just over the 1:55 mark. Perez's gritty run at the Area 11-6A meet showed he's not afraid to go out hard and hold on, while Martin's consistency throughout the year points to a well-rounded competitor who could find himself peaking at the right time.

With a new wave of talent emerging and no clear favorite with prior state experience, this year's Region 2-6A 800m will be about who rises to the moment. The opportunity is there-now it's just a matter of who seizes it.

1600 Meters: Can A Deep Field Provide Upsets?

The boys 1600-meter run at the upcoming Region 2-6A Championship is shaping up to be a thrilling clash of styles, talent, and strategy. While the top performers from Area meets have thrown down some strong times, the real intrigue lies in the depth of the field-where seasoned racers with impressive season-best marks could completely change the shape and pace of the race.

Benjamin Montgomery (Bridgeland) leads the pack with a scorching 4:10.35, and his teammate Griffen Saacke isn't far behind at 4:13.21, both establishing themselves as the favorites with top-tier times. Camden Gibson (The Woodlands College Park) is another standout, clocking 4:13.90 in what was a very competitive Area 13 race, showing he's got the gears to go with anyone.

Gibson and Montgomery went 1-2 last year to qualify for the state meet, but Saacke, who is new to this region looks to show he has viable option to make it this year.

But things get interesting when you look beyond just the Area times. Several elite-level milers didn't quite flash their full potential at Area but have proven throughout the season that they're capable of much faster performances. Runners like Klever Torres (Klein Oak), the Meredith brothers, Bryson and Brady, along with Elton Martin (all from The Woodlands), and Evan Herrera (third in last year's race) and Evan Martin from Rockwall Heath are all names that haven't hit the top of the list, but shouldn't be counted out. These are experienced competitors who know how to race in big meets and could turn the heat up early if the pace is honest.

The real question is whether this will turn into a tactical affair or a full-on burner. With a wave of runners, Cooper Grady (Waxahachie), Caleb McCarver (Waco Midway), Jack Martin (Waco Midway), Lucas Whitt (Waxahachie), and Bryson Meredith, all posting times under 4:25, there's little room for error, and moves will need to be made early. If the field plays it slow, it opens the door for seasoned kickers. But if someone pushes the pace from the gun, we could see a dramatic reshuffling of the leaderboard.

Either way, expect fireworks in the boys 1600m. With so many capable runners and so much on the line, this race could be one of the highlights of the meet.

The boys 3200-meter run will be another marquee distance event loaded with talent, and the Bridgeland trio is clearly setting the tone heading into the regional championship. Benjamin Montgomery, the reigning and defending state champion, continues his dominance on the track, entering with the top time of 9:09.73 from Area, making him the clear favorite. His combination of strength and closing speed makes him tough to beat, especially if the pace gets hot early.

Close behind him is teammate Griffen Saacke, who dropped a strong 9:17.41, showing that Bridgeland has a dynamic 1-2 punch that could lead to a podium sweep. Add in Maddox McCallister, also from Bridgeland, who clocked 9:28.43, and suddenly it's clear that the Bears are aiming to control the race from the front and potentially sweep the top spots.

But don't sleep on the rest of the field. Caleb McCarver of Waco Midway is looking sharp with a 9:30.43 and knows how to run tough, competitive races. Brandon Lopez (Magnolia West) and Graham Scott (Waxahachie) are both within striking distance and will be ready to capitalize if the lead group lets up.

Also in the mix is Evan Herrera of Rockwall Heath, who's coming off a solid 9:35.49, and Lucas Whitt (Waxahachie), who ran 9:35.73, both athletes capable of making moves in the second half of the race. If the pace is steady, expect a tightly packed chase group to remain within reach, setting the stage for a dramatic final lap.

While Montgomery is the headliner, this event is far from a done deal. With multiple runners under 9:36 and more who could go faster, the 3200m will test strategy, patience, and grit. Look for a fast early tempo and a big kick to the finish-this race has all the ingredients for a thrilling finale.

The 110-meter hurdles will showcase some of Region II's most seasoned and explosive athletes, several of whom are no strangers to this level of competition. Andrew Jones (Klein Collins) leads the field with a blistering 13.67 from the Area meet, setting himself up as the top threat to not only win the region but potentially make noise on the state level. Jones, a 2024 regional finalist, has continued to sharpen his technique and seems primed for a big postseason.

Right behind him is another familiar face, Jesse Natale (The Woodlands), who clocked a 13.98. Natale is smooth over the barriers and has experience running under pressure, which will serve him well in this high-stakes setting. He is the top returner from last year's finals race with Jones the other returner.

Mayren Whitmill (Klein Cain) has burst onto the scene with a time of 13.96, placing him second overall and confirming his status as a serious contender. Chadrich Robinson (New Caney) also looks strong, coming in with a time of 14.19, and shouldn't be overlooked-especially if he gets a clean start.

Rounding out the top competitors are Timothy Boatner (Killeen), Jordan McDaniel (Cypress Woods), and Bryce Tabor (Klein Cain), all of whom are capable of running in the low-14s and pushing into finals contention.

With so many returning talents and emerging names, this year's 110 hurdles final should be electric. The top three spots will likely come down to execution-clean starts, rhythm through the middle, and a hard charge to the final hurdle. This group knows how to bring the heat when it counts.

The 300-meter hurdles at Region II-6A is shaping up to be one of the most competitive events of the weekend. This is a deep and talented field, and it could realistically take a sub-38 second performance just to make it into Saturday's finals.

At the top is Andrew Jones of Klein Collins, who leads the pack with an elite 36.54, showcasing his strength, speed, and technical mastery. Jones is the bronze medalist from the 2024 UIL 6A race and at times has looked like a no-brainer for the win this year.

Not far behind again is Jesse Natale from The Woodlands, running a strong 37.11 and proving he's equally capable of contending for the title. Mayren Whitmill (Klein Cain) has continued his impressive rise with a 37.66, and Bryson Champagne (Conroe) rounds out the top four with a competitive 37.77.

While not having a great Area meet race, Timothy Thomas II (College Park) qualified for both hurdles last year. He will be one to watch this weekend.

With the entire field packed with athletes running under 38 seconds, this race will come down to stamina, form between hurdles, and mental toughness in the homestretch. Expect fireworks when the gun goes off.

Coming into the 2025 season, Duncanville's 4x100m relay was the talk of Texas track-and for good reason. With blazing times in the past and a roster stacked with elite sprinters, the Panthers looked poised to do something historic: challenge the national record. At the Texas A&M Bluebonnet Invitational back in early March, they dropped a scorching 40.48, flashing that signature speed and reminding everyone why they were preseason favorites. But as the season progressed, nagging injuries and lineup changes have created hurdles, keeping the group from finding consistent rhythm on the track.

Still, the dream isn't dead. If Jayden Finley, one of Duncanville's most electric athletes who hasn't yet run an individual event this season, gets the baton in the relay, he could be the X-factor that reignites the fire. His top-end speed and racing instincts make him a potential game-changer-especially on the backstretch or anchor.

That said, getting out of Region II-6A won't be a cakewalk. This field is absolutely stacked. DeSoto, always a powerhouse in the sprints, has the fastest time in the region at 40.45, and Killeen Shoemaker isn't far behind with a 40.67. Houston Cypress Springs (40.86) and The Woodlands (40.96) are both polished and efficient, capable of capitalizing on any slip-ups by the big names. Even Conroe Grand Oaks (40.97) and Conroe High (40.79) have shown they can run under 41 seconds and upset the order.

To even make the finals in Waco, it's going to take clean handoffs, nerves of steel, and sub-41 speed-there's no room for mistakes. For Duncanville, it's all about getting healthy at the right time. If they do, and Finley joins the fold, the national record conversation could be back on. But first, they'll have to survive what's shaping up to be one of the fastest and deepest 4x100m fields in Texas this year.

The 4x200 meter relay is quickly becoming a must-watch event at the Region 2-6A championships, featuring a dynamic mix of seasoned sprint giants and emerging contenders. While Spring Dekaney leads the current regional rankings with a sizzling 1:23.97 from the Area 13 & 14 Championship, they'll have to bring that same fire to Waco if they want to walk away with the title. Despite not advancing in the 4x100, Dekaney's depth and raw speed give them a shot at redemption in the 4x200-perhaps their most dangerous event.

Don't sleep on Duncanville, either. While their Area time of 1:25.33 sits just outside the top three, they've already run 1:23.81 earlier this season at the Texas A&M Bluebonnet Invitational-proving they're more than capable of turning it up when it matters. If Duncanville gets clean on the handoffs, they could leapfrog right back into the state title conversation. Don't forget, they broke the National Record last year at the State meet.

The Woodlands (1:24.78) (Former NR holders) and Killeen Shoemaker (1:24.86) round out the top three among area performances, both showcasing elite baton chemistry and race IQ. DeSoto's 1:25.70 keeps them in the mix as well, and with their reputation for showing up when it counts, they can't be overlooked.

With multiple teams hovering around the low 1:24 range and a few more capable of dropping times in the 1:23s, this year's 4x200 relay could come down to the smallest of margins-fractions of a second on exchanges or a late charge in the anchor leg. In a race this deep, even making the finals will feel like a championship moment.

The Region 2-6A boys 4x400 meter relay is always the perfect curtain call, and this year's edition is absolutely loaded with drama. Known for heart-stopping finishes and electric anchor legs, the final event of Saturday's schedule promises to send the Waco crowd into a frenzy. With state implications on the line and bragging rights at stake, expect this one to be a sprinting war from the gun to the tape.

Killeen Shoemaker enters with the top seed after clocking a blazing 3:14.16 at the Area 11 Championship-a time that puts them firmly in state title contention. But lurking just behind are a pair of serious threats from District 13. Conroe Grand Oaks posted a 3:15.47 to win their district title, while College Park followed closely with a 3:16.24, proving that Montgomery County is coming in hot. Add in Forney (3:16.63), Mesquite (3:17.58), Dallas Skyline (3:17.77), and DeSoto (3:17.79), and you've got a deep field where any slight mistake-or breakthrough leg-could shake up the order.

This race is too close to call, and that's exactly what makes it so special. When the sun starts to set in Waco and the gun goes off for the final relay, all eyes will be locked on the track. With multiple teams capable of dipping under 3:16 and a state berth on the line, this one has "classic" written all over it.

The boys shot put competition at the Region 2-6A meet will be filled with power, potential, and plenty of storylines. Leading the way is Tyler Grant of Conroe Grand Oaks, whose throw of 59-7 at the Area 13 Championship has him sitting atop the rankings. Grant has been consistent all year and will be looking to build on that momentum as he aims to punch his ticket to the state meet.

Not far behind is Chase Battles of Klein, a rising junior who launched a 58-5.25 mark at the Area 15 meet. With another year under his belt and big-meet experience, Battles is a serious threat to claim the title. Desman Manuel of Cedar Hill also joins the conversation with a solid 57-11 performance, placing him right in contention and showing that the top of this field is extremely close.

But don't overlook Jaiden Block of DeSoto. While his area performance didn't reflect his true ability-throwing just over 50 feet-Block has posted a season-best of 57-7.25, which puts him in the thick of the top contenders if he finds his form again this weekend. In an event where one throw can change everything, this year's shot put finals will be about timing, technique, and who can rise to the moment when it counts most.

The boys discus competition in Region 2-6A is shaping up to be one of the most tightly contested and talent-packed events of the meet. At the top of the Area Championship results is Isaiah Butler-Tanner of Killeen Shoemaker, who threw a strong 176-5 to lead the field. Not far behind him is defending Region 2-6A champ and UIL 6A state meet bronze medalist Tyler Grant of Conroe Grand Oaks, continuing his impressive throwing season with a 173-1 mark.

Jake Dorsett of The Woodlands rounds out the top three from the area meets with a throw of 172-9, and all three have proven they can show up in big meets.

But to truly understand the depth of this field, you have to look beyond just the area meet marks. Earlier this season, Chris Georgopoulos of The Woodlands College Park set the tone with a massive 187-5 toss at the Klein Relays, the longest mark in the region this season and a potential game-changer if he can replicate that distance in Waco.

Tyler Grant, who's already a contender in the shot put, also launched a 177-7 throw at districts, showing his consistency and versatility in both throws events.

Also in the mix are Justin Smithey of Waxahachie (174-2), Jaiden Block of DeSoto (171-9), and Desman Manuel of Cedar Hill (171-3)-all athletes who have surpassed 170 feet this year and could easily surge into the top three with the right throw. With so many capable of breaking the 175 mark, this event will come down to execution under pressure. Expect fireworks in the ring, as these big men will battle it out for the right to call themselves regional champion-and maybe even make a run at the state podium.

The Region 2-6A boys long jump may already be stacked with 23-foot talent, but two jumpers have gone beyond that elite 24-foot barrier this season-putting them in a league of their own heading into the regional finals.

Jammel Ward of Royse City owns the top mark in the field with a massive 24-2 leap, set at the Princeton Maurice Hill Invitational back in March. His performance showcases serious speed and pop off the board, and if he's able to replicate that kind of distance at regionals, he'll be a clear contender for the top spot. Victor Scott of Lancaster, just a sophomore, isn't far behind with a 24-0.25 jump from early February. His combination of youth and power makes him a name to watch both this season and in years to come.

Their early-season marks outdistance the current top performers from the area championships, where Antwoine Warren (23-7.75), Andre Pentecost (23-4.75), Jarrod Penright (23-1.5), and Scott himself (again hitting 23-1.5) set the bar. If Ward and Scott can find that extra gear again, the long jump final could be a showcase of high-flying drama. It's a deep field, but the 24-foot club may be what separates the medalists from the rest.

The boys triple jump in Region 2-6A is shaping up to be one of the most explosive events of the weekend, with multiple athletes capable of reaching-or even surpassing-the 48-foot mark. Leading the charge is Brian Nwugbana of The Woodlands, who posted an impressive 47-8.75 at the Area 13-14 Championship. Nwugbana has been steadily improving all year and appears to be peaking at the right time. If he can replicate or improve upon his best, he could walk away with a regional title.

Just a few inches behind him is Arthur Miller from Copperas Cove, who leapt 47-5 to win the Area 11-12 meet. Miller is another strong contender with the kind of power and technique that make him a real threat to push for first place. Chastin Clark of Houston Cypress Ranch also looks strong heading into regionals, landing a solid 46-5 to win the Area 15-16 title, while Tyree Washington of Wylie East rounded out the top four with a 46-1 jump at the Area 09-10 meet.

With such a tightly packed group near the top, the triple jump finals could come down to execution, rhythm, and who gets the best take-off on the day. All four athletes have the potential to pop a big jump, and the winning mark may need to approach or exceed 48 feet. It's a deep field with podium-caliber talent across the board, and fans can expect some fireworks on the runway.

The Region 2-6A high jump competition is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and high-flying events of the meet. The field features a tight cluster of athletes who cleared 6-6 at their respective area meets, but the real intrigue lies in the season-best marks that suggest the bar could be raised significantly in Waco.

Julius Malone (Cypress Lakes) leads the qualifiers with a clean 6-8 clearance from the Area 15/16 meet, but he's also jumped 6-9 earlier this season at the Dickinson C.L. Hanna Gator Relays, proving he's more than capable of pushing into state medal territory. Meanwhile, Jammel Ward (Royse City), who also cleared 6-6 at area, is a huge wildcard-he soared to a 6-11 mark during district competition, the highest jump recorded in Region 2 this season. If he returns to that form, he'll be extremely tough to beat.

Other 6-6 qualifiers like Antwoine Warren (Killeen High), Evan Spencer Black (Klein Oak), and Chastin Clark (Cy Ranch) add serious depth to the event, and many of them have flirted with personal bests higher than their area clearances. With so many athletes peaking at the right time, it wouldn't be surprising to see multiple jumpers push 6-8 or better in the finals. This event could very well come down to attempts and clutch third-bar makes, with Ward's ceiling making him a must-watch favorite.

The Region 2-6A pole vault competition is shaping up to be a showdown of both rising stars and seasoned veterans, with several athletes clearing 15 feet or better this season. Leading the charge into the regional meet is Jorden Keith of Bridgeland, who soared to 15-9 at the Area 15 & 16 Championships. His consistency throughout the year and clutch performances under pressure make him a serious contender not just for the regional crown, but for a state medal as well.

Hot on his heels is Edward Ziegler from Conroe Grand Oaks. Ziegler also cleared 15-9 earlier this season at the Texas A&M Bluebonnet Invitational and has regularly hovered in the 15-7 range, showcasing both strong technique and competitive drive. Meanwhile, Ben Haywood, just a freshman from Tomball Memorial, is the breakout star of the event. Haywood stunned the field at the Clear Falls Knights Relays by clearing a jaw-dropping 16-6, the highest mark in the region this season. Though he only managed 15-0 at area, his ceiling is clearly sky-high-he's a wildcard with potential to steal the show.

Also clearing 15-0 this season are Jake Lundy (Longview), Ethan McGillen (Wylie), and Haywood himself again at area, making the top group very crowded. With so many athletes packed near the same height, this event could come down to misses and strategy. Clean jumps early on and smart bar placements will be key. The bar will likely rise above 15-6 to earn a trip to Waco, and whoever can keep their nerves in check and vault with precision will rise-literally-to the occasion.