Winning a district title is tough. Doing it again, with higher expectations and every team trying to beat you, is even tougher.
But Houston Washington showed no signs of slipping.
Powered by strength across track and field events, Washington scored 163 points to win consecutive District 20-4A championships, edging out Houston North Forest and Houston Worthing while sending a clear message: last year was no fluke.
“During our first district title, we were young and talented but not really expected to win,” said Washington head boys track coach Todd Burrell. “We were seeking to compete and gain experience; the title was a nice bonus. However, this year, we knew what we were up against and felt confident that we had the team to win a second district title.”
Washington entered the District 20-4A track meet not as a surprise contender, but as the defending champion with a target on its back, where winning was no longer the goal, but the expectation.
“Every practice leading up to the event was tough,” said Aaron Dixon, a Washington senior athlete. “We pushed each other, knowing what we had to achieve. The upperclassmen who were part of the championship team last year really emphasized to the younger group the importance of focus and hard work, which was needed to win a repeat title.”
Instead of letting the pressure hold them back, Washington responded the only way it knows by delivering results in almost every event. Dixon led the way, sweeping both the 1600 and 3200 meter races.
“Winning those races was big,” said Dixon. “It gave us a lot of points to secure the win, but it was also something that helped me look back and push myself to do better, as I get closer to the state meet.”
Junior Quintin Powell contributed to the effort by winning the 400 meters after running 48.85.
“Waking up at 6 am to run, staying after school with my guys to work on block starts, doubling my schoolwork in class so I could leave early to master the skill of running the 400 meters; all of it would be for nothing if I hadn’t come in first,” said Powell. “Reminding myself that if I’m not first, all the hard work was for nothing helped me during the race.”
But Washington’s repeat wasn’t based only on individual wins; it was the consistency throughout that ultimately set them apart from the rest.
From field events to underclassmen stepping up, Washington accumulated points in every area. Contributions from athletes like junior Walter Delcid, who placed third in discus (118-09) and third in shot put (42-10.50), and senior Tra’Quan Davis, who finished second in the high jump (5-10), helped Washington stay ahead throughout the meet.
“Competing hard for every point. My third-place finishes were my way of helping the team improve our chances of winning the district title,” said Delcid.
“I am very proud of this team. They have shown me that excelling in multiple events and utilizing everyone’s talents can create a winning culture. No one is bigger
Todd Burrell
than the team.”
That depth was also on full display in the relays, where teamwork, timing, and trust often determine outcomes. Washington’s relay teams delivered crucial points, including first-place finishes in the 4×100- and 4×400-meter relays, showcasing both speed and chemistry.
“Relay success is weighted heavily on baton exchanges and chemistry,” said Burrell.
This lesson was learned early at the 47th annual Victor Lopez Relays at Rice University, when the 4×100 relay team fell and dropped the baton.
“Other schools laughed at us, and after that, our mindsets changed,” said Powell. “Now we stay after school extra late to work on handoffs, and we compete against each other at practice to push ourselves to the max.”
“We practice exchanges every day with our athletes,” said Burrell. “A clean, fast handoff can gain several meters, while a poor one can ruin the race entirely, or even lead to disqualification. We make sure that our relay teams understand that confidence, rhythm, stride, and communication foster success better than speed.”
While experienced runners led the way, Washington’s future also made an impact as sophomores Jaden Kizzee and Jose Castaneda contributed valuable points in their first district championship appearance.
Competing in my first district meet and finishing third in the 200 meters after running 23.36 was the result of a lot of time, effort, and dedication, finally coming full circle,” said Kizzee. “It felt like a dream I’ve been working toward for the longest time.”
Castaneda finished second in the 800 meters with a time of 2:04.91, marking his first trip to the Area round.
“By the grace and strength of God, the help of my teammates, their family members, and my mom, I would never have been able to start or finish this race,” said Castaneda. “Last year I placed 5th in district for the 800 meters, and now I’ve qualified for area, but like we always say, ‘Jobs not finish’ and my lord and savior Jesus Christ has taught me that I can do all things through him as long as I believe in him, he is truly my source of strength.
“Jaden Kizzee and Jose Castaneda are staples in the program for two more years, and their contributions are proving that we are headed in the right direction and will continue to enjoy big wins,” said Burrell.
With veterans guiding the way and young talent emerging, Washington’s formula for success is clearly designed to last, even as the focus stays on what they’ve already achieved.
“Back-to-Back titles signal sustainable excellence,” said Burrell. “At Booker T. Washington High School, repeating as champions means success isn’t tied to just one standout athlete or class. It suggests a pipeline. Underclassmen are being developed, stepping into roles, and maintaining the standard when senior athletes graduate.”
