Jared Martin captured a state championship in the 300-meter hurdles in a program record 37.53 seconds for Clyde in 2005.
Brady Wilson earned a state crown in 2022, and he went a little faster at 37.45 for the Fliers. Clyde junior Dekin Crockett entered the 37 seconds conversation at 37.90 to take a regional crown in Division III this year.
“We had Martin and Wilson,” Crockett said. “I want to make a name for myself. It’s my time, I have to keep the tradition going. I’m chasing it; I’m trying to get it by the end of my career. I’m trying to be one of the best track runners to come out of Clyde history.
“I want to know I gave everything I can. I know my potential. I want to leave a legacy; that’s the goal.”
A regional record is a nice stepping stone.
“It lets me know how hard I’ve worked,” he said. “It’s cool, for sure. It felt special”
Crockett also anchored a 4×400 relay after Mitch Newsome, Dane Aldrich and Reese Rex that finished fifth in 3 minutes, 26.98 seconds to advance to state.
“We’re going in with high hopes,” Crockett said. “I love running with my brothers. I can be a leader and have fun. Stay calm and stay positive. I knew what it took to get there; give it your best.”
The relay stepped up to earn a district crown at 3:25. It finished in 3:22.95 in regional prelims.
“We had a big jump,” Crockett said. “‘We can do this; anything is possible.’ We all got excited; our best time can contend.”
Crockett won the 300 hurdles at district and regional last year. His season ended in state prelims.
He was also part of 4×200 and 4×400 relays that advanced to state, including fourth in the 4×200. His 4×200 relay was first in the Sandusky Bay Conference Lake Division as a freshman, before he suffered an injury prior to district.
He was first in the 100 (10.97), 200 (22.29) and 300 hurdles (39.03) at this year’s league meet. The 4×400 was third at 3:29.90.
He won the 300 hurdles (38.80), was second in the 200 (22.76) and sixth in the 100 (11.16) at district this season. He was seventh in the 200 (23.65) but brushed off not advancing in this instance.
He made a decision to focus on the 300 hurdles, which is only about 10 minutes prior to the 200 on the timeline. He actually took a burden off his mind by putting everything into the hurdles.
“I have less on my plate, and I know what I can do in the 300 hurdles,” he said. “Win a state championship, that’s the goal I’ll chase until my career’s over. You only get four years; you have to have fun.”
Crockett feels blessed that Clyde assistant Mel Caudill suggested he try the 300 hurdles as a sophomore. Now, he wants to continue his career at the Division I level.
“If I never ran the 300 hurdles, I don’t know where I’d be,” he said. “It changed my life and opened up opportunities. It gave me confidence. It was an eye opener to believe in myself. I was already a sprinter; my coaches saw something in me.
“I wouldn’t be a good hurdler without Coach Caudill. She’s been there the whole time. It’s the best thing for me; I have good endurance, I finish strong. I love the hurdles. It was a good fit.”
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This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: 300 hurdles perfect fit for Clyde’s Dekin Crockett
Reporting by Matthew Horn, Fremont News-Messenger / Fremont News-Messenger
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
