Summer Creek freshman Marquez Barnes is making history as the school’s first male para-athlete and the first to qualify for the UIL State Track Meet, set for May 3rd at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin, Texas.
He secured his spot after taking first place in the mixed 100m WC Wheelchair, mixed 400m WC Wheelchair, and mixed Shot Put WC Wheelchair events at the Regional Track Meet held Saturday, April 19th, at Challenger Stadium in League City, Texas.
I feel accomplished, it feels amazing to be the first.
Marquez Barnes
Barnes lives with a musculoskeletal disorder, a condition that affects his joints, muscles and bones. His official diagnosis includes a congenital limb anomaly and a below-knee amputation of his lower right leg.
Barnes claimed first place and set personal records in all three of his events. He finished the mixed 100m WC Wheelchair in 22.29 seconds, completed the mixed 400m WC Wheelchair in 1:20.94, and threw 18 feet, 11 inches in the mixed Shot Put WC Wheelchair event.
Before discovering track, Barnes served as a basketball manager at Huffman Middle School. Being the only student with a disability on a non-wheelchair team, he often felt isolated and out of place.
“I didn’t feel included; I felt like an outsider,” said Barnes.
After enrolling at Summer Creek, Barnes connected with a supportive group of coaches who helped him find his place in athletics. Coach Josh Thomas took on the role of his Shot Put coach, while Dr. Dwight J. Smith and Coach Karen Smith guided him in the 100-meter and 400-meter events. Each coach was encouraging and committed to investing the time and effort needed to help him thrive.
“At the start of the season, the main focus was technique,” said Thomas. “Before Marquez came to Summer Creek, he just threw and had some success. As the season went on, we would throw a heavier shot, hit the weight room hard and get a ton of reps. His season opener was 16 feet 3 inches.”
Barnes dedicated himself to the weight room, focusing on maximizing his potential. With limited lower-body mobility, he relies on his upper-body strength, which he developed through consistent weightlifting, repetition, and unwavering determination.
Aside from the obvious differences on the track, it was the unseen things that motivated Barnes the most.
“People often see me and underestimate me because of my weight,” said Barnes. “I don’t look like your typical track star, but I am—I’m strong. I’ve been to a few track camps where I was laughed at for not being fast enough, and those laughs pushed me harder, made me better, faster and stronger.”
The laughter from others fueled Barnes’ determination, driving him to make history as Summer Creek’s first para-athlete to compete in the 6A UIL State Track Meet.
“What separates Marquez from my other athletes is his determination to be the best he can be,” said Dr. Dwight J. Smith. “Marquez is driven to excel in anything he does. He gives 110%. Every week, as he improved his marks and times, his confidence grew throughout the season.”
“I’m determined and excited to create a legacy,” said Barnes. “I give all thanks to God, who has a purpose for my life. There are not many people who look like me, and I just want to show the world that having a disability will never stop me from being great.”
About Marquez Barnes:
Class: 2028
IG: @marquezcbarnes
Twitter: @Marquezcbarnes
Events: 100-meters, 400-meter, shot put
Height & weight: 4-feet-0, 244 pounds
Favorite artist: Kendrick Lamar
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite subject: Science
Shout outs: My mom- Lavona Thomas, Dr. Coach Smith, Coach Thomas, Coach Mrs. Smith, Coach Irvin, Coach Jones and Coach Rios
