Owensboro Middle School showed out at the state track meet on Saturday, May 28, as they grabbed first overall with four first place finishes on the day.
King Combest had a monster day for the Red Devils, being the last runner alongside Jalen Carr, Xavier Maddox and Jace Hunt to win the 4×100 relay with a time of 46.24. He also grabbed first place in the 100 meter dash with an impressive time of 11.04 and the 200 meter dash with a time of 22.93.
Zane Biever was the other first-place finisher for Owensboro, finishing with a 172-10 in discus. He also grabbed second in shot put with a 47-04, while Chadyn Morris grabbed second in high jump with a 5-6.
Ehmadjai Badger was the leader for the Lady Devils on the day, grabbing third place in the triple jump with a 37-5. Emsley Hancock followed right behind Badger, placing eighth in with a time of 15.87.
“The overall performance was great. It was all about the points and staying focused throughout the entire meet,” Tate said. “It’s very difficult to win a state title at any level of sports. I really believe everyone tried hard and did their best. It was nice to see everyone working together to achieve one goal. Winning a state title is a big deal for the kids, coaches, and the program.”
Coming into the season Tate had no idea who was even going to run or through for Owensboro Middle School. So, he set the team’s main goal to just get better every day in order to create success and it did.
“We started with 35 kids in February,” Tate said. “I took some of the most committed and talented athletes to the indoor state meet in Louisville and our team placed second overall. After such a strong finish, I felt we had a shot to compete or finish in the top three at the state finals.”
If you looked next to the word ‘winning’ in the dictionary Tate’s photo would be right next to it when it comes to his time with Owensboro Middle School Track, winning five state titles as a player and coach.
“To be a part of five state titles is really a big deal,” Tate said. “In 2003 and 2004, I was a part of two titles with my close friend Coach O’brien. In 2007, I became the head coach for the boy’s track program assisted by Coach Taylor and Coach O’brien. There have been three titles under my guidance (2007, 2009, & 2022). I do not know many coaches that have been a part of five state titles. Winning is big but winning a state title is an awesome feeling.”
Tate’s hope is to continue to build on the program’s success and he said that racking up accolades is the first step. He and the Red Devils hope that if other students see the level of success they’ve had recently, that more students will want to join the roster in the near future.
“Being successful when competing will continue to attract more athletes to the program,” Tate said. “And that will allow the athletes to challenge each other and make each other better. Of course, as a coach you always want the kids to stay focused, work hard, and always do their best. Hopefully, there will be other trips to the State Finals for this program in the future. The team really pulled together and supported each other, and I hope to see that continue. They really enjoyed this big win.”
