By Jesse Huseth, Assistant Coach

Something truly special happened for White Station Middle School this spring: our boys track team became state champions! After months of hard work, grit, and teamwork, these young Spartans brought home the trophy, making all of Memphis proud.

More Than Medals—A Team Built on Character

I’ve been coaching at WSMS for 11 years, and I can honestly say this was the most character-driven group I’ve ever worked with. These boys didn’t just train for a season—they poured themselves into the sport for months, and some for years. Their dedication paid off in the best way possible.

Kameron Davis, one of our incredible athletes, not only took first place in the hurdles—he set a new state record in the 100-meter hurdles! You’ll be hearing his name in Memphis for years to come. But what made this team truly special was its depth. We didn’t just have speedsters or throwers; we had a well-rounded group with kids stepping up in every event, supporting each other and pushing for their personal bests.

Creativity and Grit—Making It Work Without a Track

Here’s something most people don’t know: White Station Middle doesn’t even have its own track. We’ve measured out the carpool circle for sprints, converted the football field for meters, and mapped out the block around the school for mile repeats. It’s bubble gum and duct tape, but it works—because our coaching staff and volunteers are all in.

Having more coaches means we can keep more kids involved. That’s why I always encourage anyone interested in youth sports to volunteer. Even if you’re just there for the vibes, your presence means more kids get to participate—and the team gets stronger.

Fun, Focus, and Lasting Memories

Of course, it wouldn’t be a championship weekend without a few stories. Right after the field events, a gust of wind snapped our tent in half. The running joke was that we’d made a “sacrifice to the track gods” for our win! But through the heat and the shenanigans, our boys stayed focused and showed what true sportsmanship looks like.

After the meet, we let the kids celebrate at Rafferty’s in Clarksville while the coaches grabbed dinner next door. This week, we’ll have a pizza party at school—because whatever we do, we do it together.

Why Parent and Volunteer Support Matters

Middle school is a special time to reach kids before egos and pressure take over. We get to teach them how to handle setbacks, build character, and celebrate each other’s successes. Parent support made this team function—whether it was driving kids to meets, bringing snacks, or just cheering from the stands.

You don’t have to know the rules or be a sports expert. If you have the time and the heart, you’re a valuable asset to our schools. Your support lets coaches focus on coaching, and it gives more kids the chance to shine.

The Next Lap—We Need You!

Many of our eighth graders are moving on, and next year we’ll be rebuilding with a new group. If you have any interest in volunteering—whether it’s coaching, driving, or just being there for the vibes—reach out. There are so many ways to get involved, from sports to tutoring to mentoring.

Let’s keep building champions—on and off the track. Go Spartans!