WINNSBORO, Texas — The crowd was in disbelief following the conclusion of the 100-meter race at the Tommy Atkins Relays last week. Not only had Winnsboro sophomore Camden Capehart won the race by a landslide, but when the dust settled, he had done it in unbelievable fashion.
Capehart posted an official 10.08 time in the 100 meters, shattering the previous record at the event held for over 20 years by Elysian Fields legend and speedster Chris Harris.
"All the work started in the summer, working with Coach Jones and all those summer workouts," Capehart said. "I just like trying to beat all the records at the school. But I don't really compare all my times to anybody else's. I just want to beat mine."
The sophomore star athlete has been quickly turning into one of the "get to know quick" players here in East Texas. In his first varsity season, he had over 1,000 yards receiving and 17 touchdowns for the Winnsboro football team, which advanced all the way to the fourth round of the playoffs for the first time ever.
He also participates as a member of the C4 7-on-7 football program, with some of the top athletes in Texas and Oklahoma. On top of that, he plays a crucial role on the Winnsboro baseball team, which is ranked top 25 in 3A.
Can Camden Capehart truly do it all? It sure seems like it.
"He makes all the guys around him better just with him being out there," said head football coach Josh Finney. "He's not just a fast kid, but he's great in the classroom, being one of the top kids in his class. He's a leader out here in the fieldhouse. That's what you want and ask for in any athlete."
To add to Capehart's historic week, he received his first Division I football offer only an hour after he finished his race, courtesy of the University of Nevada- Las Vegas Rebels. Within 24 hours, his offers totaled six, for an athlete that's still only a sophomore.
"It's unheard of in Winnsboro; I'll put it that way. It's incredible to see a kid end up with those D1 offers after doing something special on the track," said head track coach Tyrus Jones. "It helps us put Winnsboro on the map and it also shows our younger group that if you put in the work, good things will happen."
For Capehart, the best is truly yet to come, with his high school career still less than halfway completed. However, he's already set his sights on the highest of honors. With his work ethic, skills and dedication, everyone around him knows it's absolutely a possibility.
"In track, I want to win state in the 100 and some relays for sure. In football, I want to try and get a state championship of course, just like in baseball too," Capehart said. "I have to thank God first. I wouldn't be where I'm at without God. My coaches have helped me with so much too, and my family continuously pushes me to be my very best."
Capehart will look to bring a medal back home to Winnsboro in the state track meet taking place in Austin on May 2.