SIGHTS FROM THE SIDELINES: CAMERON, WYALUSING'S NEW FASTEST MAN, HAS HIS SIGHTS SET HIGH (2021-05-05)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
A few weeks ago Wyalusing got a new fastest man, and nobody was more surprised than Kashawn Cameron himself.

“I did not expect that at all,” said Cameron. “It was my first time running in two years. I was honestly just trying to see if I still had it.”

After running an 11 flat with hand time it was clear Cameron still had it, and lots of it. The fact that he did it his first meet back after missing the first few weeks was all the more surprising.

“I’m happy I did it,” he said. “I thank my coaches for coaching me the way they did. It went well.”

That puts Cameron in a strong position to qualify for states in the open 100. The state qualifying time is 11.3, and, even adding the typical .24 to convert hand times to FAT, that still puts him where he needs to be. 

But the junior isn’t satisfied with where he’s at right now.

“I really want to try to break 11,” he said.

Only a couple District IV kids have broken 11 so far this year - and just one with FAT - so that would definitely put him in rarified air. 

“It really all starts with how you start off, your first few steps,” Cameron said about the 100. “I’m really trying to work on my drive phase. Those first few steps of trying to beat everyone to my top speed.”

He’s been doing this without attending any invitationals, which is where athletes typically get their best performances, thanks to the bigger stage and better competition.

“I’ve been staying in the weight room,” said Cameron. “I keep working on my legs, making them stronger.”

Regardless, he’s looking forward to go up against some of the NTL’s best during the Coaches’ Invitational next Friday. 

“I think it will help me out with a lot more experience,” said Cameron.

That will lead into the district meet the following week, but he has eye on more than just the 100. On Tuesday he jumped 20-feet, 10-inches in the long jump - just eight inches from the qualifying standard - and looks to be competitive in the 200 and 4x100 relay. 

That would be quite a tall task for anybody, but Cameron is determined.

“If I push myself, I know I can do it.”