Every sports team adopts a saying for their program, sometimes linked to something specific for the particular year or sometimes it incorporates traits or a mindset that they want their athletes to take to heart. The adage “Springs Speed” may seems rather simple compared to others but for Sam Onwuchekwa, Yogi Martin Jr., Jaidyn Randle and Kam Roberson it means everything.
Last year our 4×100 relay team made a name for themselves winning the state title and defined a new standard for the program posting a time of 40.06.
A year later they headed into the 2026 State Meet this Saturday at the University of Texas as the number one seed. The only difference in four legs being Randle replaces Paris Melvin Jr. who graduated early in December.
The Panthers captured first place at the District meet with 40.33 and at the Area meet with 40.4 to advance to Regionals. Their dominance continued as they posted a 39.97 in first place to advance to State again.
“It feels good- being able to firstly win with my team and represent my school in a good way,”
Roberson said. “Going to State two years in a row is a blessing and I am excited to defend our title.”
Roberson credits his coaches and the faith they had in the program as well as the team’s mindset of always wanting to improve and get better for the team’s success.
“Heading into this season the team’s focus was to improve every race and work our tails off,” Roberson said. “We are determined to go out there and perform every week.”
Martin Jr., who runs the first leg of the 4×100 is excited to be a part of the team again.
“After last year I was like wow. We have been practicing hard, getting our steps right and really perfecting our craft this season.”
Randle was at State last year as an alternate for the team but this year he is super excited to be running. He loves that the group set a school record and cannot wait to see what happens next.
“We got out there; I knew we could move fast but when I realized our time I was shocked. I knew we can do this right now, imagine what we can do if we keep growing and getting faster how much more we will do,” Randle said.
Onwuchekwa, is the team’s anchor and hopes to one day go pro and compete in Olympics.
For now just as he has done all season long, he takes pride in carrying his team across the finish line.
“This group is special because of our different personalities and we work hard on and off the track,” he said, “Teamwork, getting the stick and running fast is what we need to do to win the title again.”
Onwuchekwa is a two-time state qualifier this year after a time of 10.30 in the 100m dash for 1st place at Regionals. He is no stranger to success as he also claimed 1st at Area with 10.57 and District with 10.47.
” I pretty excited to run Saturday. In the 100, I need to execute my block start and push out to be successful,” he said.” In the 4 x 100, I need to stay on my side of the track and watch my mark.”
The speed of this group has been seen all season long with Martin Jr and Roberson also having strong individual performances at District finishing 3rd and 4th respectively in 100m Dash while Randle finished 5th in the 200m Dash.
If any leg gets injury or sick the Panthers do not lose a step as alternates Connor Patrick and Coby Ellis are ready. In first meet of the season, the Panthers were without Onwuchekwa, Roberson and both Patrick and Ellis stepped up and the relay showed “Spring Speed” with a 40.77.
