What kind of training did your team do leading up to state?
The month leading into the 2A state championship meet we went into intense speed, tapering, and technical training.
I know you have a lot of football players. How do you get them to come out to track and how does the training in both sports help one another?
The Booker T Washington entire staff plays a part in the connection of all sports available at the school. Football and track and field are two sports which demand “SPEED”. In order to be EXPLOSIVE, on the football field, consistent speed work during the off season prepares for a dynamic season.
What chances or belief did you have in your team's chance and ability to make the podium? Our chances and ability to make the podium, originated from our past season achievements. We finished up as state runner ups, under scoring by one point in 2013. Coming into the new season we returned the entire squad with the exception of Nicholas Norris.
What advice or points of emphasis did you give your team prior to the race or the week leading into the state meet?
The week leading into the state meet, the coaching staff stressed being focused and motivated in order to be “CHAMPIONS”! Each member of the team had a responsibility and everyone knew their relevance in our ultimate goal which was to score by any means necessary.
The week leading into the state meet, the coaching staff stressed being focused and motivated in order to be “CHAMPIONS”! Each member of the team had a responsibility and everyone knew their relevance in our ultimate goal which was to score by any means necessary.
What was the game plan for state and how do you feel your team executed it?
The plan from the first day of practice was to bring home the state title. The previous years lost gave us a sour taste in our mouths. The focus was on scoring with an enormous lead from any other contender.
The plan from the first day of practice was to bring home the state title. The previous years lost gave us a sour taste in our mouths. The focus was on scoring with an enormous lead from any other contender.
Who do you feel really stepped up individually the most for the team at the state meet?
As a team, everyone stepped up and performed under all circumstances. The team carried each other, they worked as an ENTITY.
As a team, everyone stepped up and performed under all circumstances. The team carried each other, they worked as an ENTITY.
What were the biggest challenges for this year's team?
Our challenges derived as a team of ELITE athletes. They would from time to time become complacent and ran at competition level.
Our challenges derived as a team of ELITE athletes. They would from time to time become complacent and ran at competition level.
Were there any low points in the season and how did the team bounce back?
During the season we lost a significant team member, LaQuan Smalls, due to injury, taking him out for the season. Collectively as team, everyone knew that with the loss of his major points, our plan had to be executed with the least amount of error as possible.
During the season we lost a significant team member, LaQuan Smalls, due to injury, taking him out for the season. Collectively as team, everyone knew that with the loss of his major points, our plan had to be executed with the least amount of error as possible.
Was there a particular race, workout, or moment that you knew that your team was ready or had the potential to become state champions?
Sam Burley Invitational was the moment as a coaching staff we knew our season was going to be remarkable. As a team we knew coming into the season we were destined to WIN the state title. We needed to just stay healthy. However with the marks placed at the second meet of the season, we were able to record a time of 40.91 in the 4 x100 and 3.14.00 in the 4 x400. We were off to a phenomenal season.
How would you best describe the group of kids that you coach? 
As a coach, I can describe the group as appreciative, honorable, and hard working.
As a coach, I can describe the group as appreciative, honorable, and hard working.
What role do your assistant coaches play with the program?
Booker T Washington track & field program is just that a program. Everyone plays a substantial role in the success of the program. We are a team!
Booker T Washington track & field program is just that a program. Everyone plays a substantial role in the success of the program. We are a team!
What would be the best way to describe your coaching style?
Serene style of coaching best describes my personality, but my training focuses on athletes being explosive, speed building, and maintaining mental toughness at all times.
Who were the leaders on your team and what was the importance to the squad?
The BTW team is filled with a group of alpha males. However there were four individuals who lead the team to success Nigel Bethel, Detron Hopkins, K'Rondis Larry, and Terrawn McThee.
The BTW team is filled with a group of alpha males. However there were four individuals who lead the team to success Nigel Bethel, Detron Hopkins, K'Rondis Larry, and Terrawn McThee.
Who was the biggest individual surprise or runner that most impressed you with their improvements this year?
There were two individuals on the team who are secret weapons, whom surprised and will stun others later; Kealan Graham and Tawan Johnson. Both gentlemen are sophomores, first time runners putting down some competitive marks. Kealan went 10.89 in the 100 meters and Tawan starting from a 53.4 400 meters, dropped to a 49.7. Both finished fifth in of our regional and just missed out on state.
How would this team rank against some of the past teams that you coached?
The BTW 2014 team was developed over the years, sticking together and working as a unit lead to their ultimate success, places them as one of my best coached teams.
Every state championship team seems to have a special or unique makeup that makes them state champions. What were some of those characteristics of this year's team?
Hard-workers motivated by success and team players with a great rapport with the coaching and school staff and their fellow teammates characterize these outstanding young men.
What are your expectations for next year's team?
The anticipation for next year’s team is to continue the dynasty developed under the Booker T. Washington umbrella.
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