STATE CHAMPIONS: Klein Forest Boys Track Bring Home the Gold
The phrase “Forest Fast” has never rung truer, with the Klein Forest Boys Track team.
The relay team, made up of student-athletes Jacob Compton, Jaden Galloway, Parker Jenkins, Ahmir Robinson, Kyan Stringer, and Jelani Watkins, took the top spot and brought home the gold in the 4×200 relay race at the 2022 State UIL Track and Field competition.
This win is one of many throughout Klein Forest Head Track Coach Remon Smith’s 28-year coaching career, and he knows it won’t be the last for his Golden Eagles, with all but one returning to run next year.
“I want my kids to experience the highest level of achievement in the sport, and I do this by building their mental toughness, discipline, and focus,” Coach Smith said. “Our mindset is that we will do whatever we have to do to be the best as long as it’s in the realm of doing things the right way. We will work harder than everybody else, so we are never in a situation that we can’t adapt to.”
Coach Smith and his runners all shared gratitude for their supporters.
“It’s an exciting time here at Forest, and it’s been a pleasure this year to have all the support from our administration, our boosters, our parents, and our school community,” Coach Smith said. “For myself, my gratification comes from seeing our kids getting honored and recognized.”
Jacob Compton, the only senior on the relay team, said the State races meant an end of an era for him at Klein Forest.
“When I was lining up right before the race, I was like, ‘I love all you guys,” Jacob said. “It’s bittersweet. I’m the oldest one, and these guys are all like my little brothers, and that’s why I gave my everything out on the biggest stage we were on. I hope they can go on next year and win it big, even without me.”
Without a doubt, the chemistry on this team is part of their success.
“As the year passed and we started practicing together, we learned about each other. Our relationship got stronger, and we’re close,” Klein Forest sophomore Jaden Galloway said. “We can read each other well, and we know when it’s time to lock in, focus, and perform the way we do.”
Jacob and Jaden both know that a tough mentality is a must to be a force on the track.
“If you believe and have the mentality, you will have the ability to come out here and do anything,” Jacob said. “We have faith in our practice. Jelani always reminds us to stay humble because our abilities will show on the track.”
Their abilities definitely kept our Klein Forest Track team on the map at State. Congratulations to Coach Smith and the entire team on such an incredible season. Your Klein Family is so proud of you!
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Klein ISD has an established 84-year history of excellence and innovation in education with unique pathways for EVERY student in our care to ensure learners are college, career, military, and life ready. With recognition for STEM, athletics, fine arts, and academics from highly-esteemed organizations, it is clear that Our Shared Vision of every student entering with a promise and exiting with a purpose is a reality for EVERY student who walks through our doors.
About Klein ISD
Klein ISD is a school district in Klein, Texas, located in northwestern Harris County. The district spans approximately 88 square miles and serves more than 53,000 students in 33 elementary schools, 10 intermediate campuses, one high school program of choice, and 5 high schools.
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