Watkins captures 200 state title

by TigerNet Staff - Sunday, May 1, 2011 2:51 AM

Sammy Watkins
Pos: WR Height: 6-1 Weight: 205 Hometown: Fort Myers, FL (South Fort Myers HS) Years Played: 2011 - 2013

From Naples News:

First, Sammy WatkinsSammy Watkins
Wide Receiver
# 6-2, 200
Fort Myers, FL
View Full Profile took a little shake. Next, the South Fort Myers senior showed a little bake. Watkins overcame a nerve-tingling start to the 100 meter dash, in which he finished second, to win a state title in the 200 dash Saturday at the Class 2A state track and field championships at Showalter Field.

Watkins' success highlighted his increased dedication to track this season. He finished fourth and fifth, respectively, in the 100 and 200 at state last year.

Watkins' day started with trepidation when another runner false-started in the 100. That left him a little apprehensive about shooting out of the blocks the way he usually does.

"It shook me a little, and that's why I stayed in the blocks a little too long," Watkins said. Despite a slow start, Watkins' motor hit full throttle toward the end of the race. He nearly nipped Jones sophomore Levonte Whitfield, who won in 10.69 seconds. Watkins ran a 10.72.

The Clemson football recruit, though, already knew he had a gold medal in the bag even though his best race was yet to come.

"If I could catch him in the 100, I knew he didn't have a chance in the 200," said Watkins of Whitfield. "The 200 is my best race. I can't wind all the way out in the 100 the way I can in the 200."

Watkins won the 200 in 21.11. Whitfield finished second in 21.35.