“Chop” and ”‘DDT,” that’s what we live by, on the track, in the classroom, and in life.”
Those are the words of Paris Melvin Jr., junior and third leg of the Cypress Springs 4×100-meter relay team, who helped lead the Panthers to a historic gold medal at the 2025 UIL Class 6A State Championships.
“Chop” means committing to hard work over time. “DDT” stands for Do Right, Do Your Very Best, and Treat others how you want to be treated. These aren’t just mottos. They’re the mindset of a team that defied expectations and brought home Cypress Springs’ first-ever relay State title.
In a stunning finish, the Cypress Springs boys’ 4×100-meter relay team, Sophomore Yogi Martin Jr. (top left), Sophomore Kam Roberson (bottom right), Junior Paris Melvin Jr. (bottom left), and freshman Chinweoke “Sam” Onwuchekwa (top right) clocked in at 40.06 seconds, edging out powerhouse DeSoto (40.15) and breaking the school and district record in the process.
The Panthers’ performance wasn’t just fast. It was fearless. A team once seen as longshots shocked Texas, and themselves, by becoming champions.
The road to victory was paved with improvement at every turn. At the Cy-Fair ISD District Championships, the team set a solid foundation with a time of 42.61 seconds. Then, at the UIL 6A Region 2 Championships in Waco, they surged forward, posting 40.56 seconds to secure their spot in the state meet. From district to regionals to state, Cypress Springs went from promising to dominating, ultimately claiming the state title.
The Road to State
First-leg runner Yogi Martin described the pressure that built up on the way to state.
“It felt great. Nobody had us going. We weren’t even supposed to make it past regionals, but after prelims and regionals, I just knew we were gonna win the state.”
He’s been running as long as he can remember, but this win will always stand out.
“I blacked out after we crossed that line. I’ll never forget it.”
He takes great pride in representing Springs and is proud to have helped his team take the next step toward greatness. His message to others: ‘Keep working hard, stay focused, stay diligent, and all your dreams will come true.'”
Second-leg Kam Roberson admitted he didn’t always believe the win was in reach.
“I felt good but thought I wasn’t gonna make it”
Roberson has been running since 7th grade, and he says this moment proved one thing: “Anything is possible. Whatever you put your mind to, you can do it.”
Beyond the medals, it was about the moments. They all agree this is a memory they’ll never forget, all stating the same thing, “winning with our brothers.”
The tight knit relationship extends beyond the track. It is more than chemistry during a race; it is trust, brotherhood, and a connection built through years of shared struggle, sacrifice, and support.
Third-leg runner Paris Melvin Jr. called the state race as: “one of the greatest of my life.” He has been in the track program for three years but had never made it to state until now.
“I ran with a cast in the district. My ankle was injured. But with God and my support system I made it. Seeing Sam cross that line… I’ll never forget the look on my brothers’ faces.”
Paris has been running since eight years old. For him, this win is also about pride.
“People looked down on Cypress Springs. Called us a ‘bad school.’ But with Coach Wilson, Coach Fagan, and Coach Brown we changed the program. We flipped the culture. We are not just competing, we are leading.”
Finally, Sam Onwuchekwa, the youngest member and anchor leg, brought the race home.
“It was my first time at state. I was nervous but excited. My quad had been strained earlier this season, but my teammates never let me get down.”
Onwuchekwa also qualified for State in the 100m after beating his time from Area with a time of 10.17. He credited his coaches for getting him into track and pushing him to grow.
“We just kept motivating each other. I’ll never forget being at the hotel, cracking jokes with the guys.”
More Than Teammates
From hotel laughter to medal ceremonies, one thing is clear these boys are more than a relay team. They are brothers.
Each of them described their teammates as family, not just friends. They support each other in races, in school, and in life.
“We just wanted to not only be faster than each other, but the fastest together in the district,” Paris said. “We are brothers from different mothers.”
Looking ahead, the team isn’t done yet. Roberson has his eyes on breaking the national record. All four want to keep proving that hard work, focus, and unity can overcome anything.
From overlooked to legendary, these four boys from Springs didn’t just win a state title, they rewrote the story of our school and set the tone for what’s next.
