A “champion” by any other name wouldn’t be Champion Allison.
The George Ranch High School senior made a name for himself at the UIL state high school track and field meet over the course of his prep career.
Allison’s final performance at the 2017 event was simply scintillating as he took home gold medals in both the 400-meter dash and the mile relay.
His time of 45.87 seconds in the 400-meter dash placed him ahead of silver medalist Sean Hooper of Keller Fossil Ridge (45.92) and third-place finisher Jon Maas of Northside Clark (47.15).
Allison ran the anchor leg behind teammates Jayson Baldridge, Avery Vesieh and Faybian Marks to secure the gold medal in the 4X400 meter relay with a clocking of three minutes, 11.19 seconds.
DeSoto (3:11.44) and Conroe Oak Ridge (3:13.13) placed second and third, respectively.
“This was my last high school meet and after this I’ll be going to the University of Alabama,” Allison said. “This is probably the best meet that I’ve ever run. I’ve never been so nervous in my life.”
Allison chose Alabama over Baylor University and Texas A&M University.
“I felt really comfortable there and I was advised by a person close to me that the coach would never turn his back on me,” he said.
Allison was considering early enrollment and possibly taking some classes this summer.
George Ranch (54 points) finished second in the Class 6A boys’ team standings to The Woodlands (60).
Kesean Carter has big plans for the summer after leading The Woodlands to the 6A team title with gold medals in the 100-meter dash and anchoring the gold medal-winning 4X200 meter relay.
The junior beat a senior-dominated field in the 100 with a time of 10.32 seconds. Jeffery Hulon Jr. of Beaumont West Brook (10.41) placed second and Walter Boyd of Cy Fair (10.60) won the bronze medal.
Ethan Bonner, Jacob Barrett and Jake Lanier joined Carter on the Highlanders’ 4X200 meter relay that set a school record (one minute, 23.81 seconds) while winning the gold medal.
“We just kept getting better and better,” Carter said. “We got a taste of this experience when we came up here for the Texas Relays. Now we’ve shown that we deserve the gold medal.”
Carter plans to juggle football and track activities this summer.
The Woodlands varsity football team was a Class 6A state championship game finalist during the 2016 season.
“Things didn’t work out for us in football but we got the rings in track,” Carter said.
“I plan on playing 7-on-7 football and maybe run summer track,” he said. “I want to attend some football camps along with some camps in track so I can work on my technique. I want to be ready for my senior year.”