They’ve been there, they’ve done that and they’re back for more.
With three meets left on the schedule, Scotland’s boys 4×100 relay team has already qualified for regionals. That means the team is one step closer to competing at the state meet again after finishing in sixth place last year.
Three athletes on this year’s team — Tyshuon Thomas, J.J. McLean and Darrius Dockery — made the trip to state last year. McLean ran the first leg, followed by seniors Trey Dixon and Laron Quick. Thomas ran the anchor leg and locked in Scotland’s final time of 42.43 seconds. Dockery didn’t compete at state, but he was instrumental in helping the team get to the big stage.
Thomas, a senior who will play football at UNC-Pembroke this fall, said his experience at last year’s state meet left him hungry for more success. That hunger motivates him to lead this season’s relay team, which recorded a season-best time of 43.54 seconds during a Sandhills Athletic Conference meet at Pinecrest last week.
“The season’s going good right now. We’re just trying to get better and better every week,” Thomas said. “We’ve got to get our time faster and faster.”
Prior to the start of the season, head track and field coach Thomas Havener the Fighting Scots had several athletes who could fill relay spots at any given time. Thomas, the most experienced member of the relay squad, said he’s taken on a leadership role as the team has taken shape this year.
Dockery and McLean both were guided in part by Thomas’ leadership during football season as well.
“It’s fun being around him,” Dockery said. “It’s just how his atmosphere is. He encourages you to do better every day.”
The 4×100 team that qualified for regionals includes Thomas, Dockery, McLean and Tyrell Thomas.
Scotland’s girls 4×100 also qualified for regionals. They have a chance to earn a spot at the 4A state meet, which will take place on May 18 at North Carolina A&T.
The regular season continues with a conference meet at UNCP on Thursday. Scotland will then compete at Jack Britt on April 11 and at home on April 18.
With the help of coach Megil McLean, Scotland’s sprinters want to show that they belong among the state’s top teams. But they know that there is still plenty of hard work to do.
“We’re not there yet, but that’s what we’re working ourselves toward,” J.J. McLean said. “It’ll all come together soon.”
