Kyle resident CeCe Watson can remember how skeptical she was when her then 7th grade track coach asked her to take up the shot put.
Having played basketball here-and-there prior to middle school, Watson was unsure as to whether she would take to the specialized spring sport. Add in the surprisingly heavy 8-pound implement and Watson’s reluctance grew even more.
“I thought, ‘I’m supposed to throw this, this far?,’” Watson said.
But there was something about shot...
Kyle resident CeCe Watson can remember how skeptical she was when her then 7th grade track coach asked her to take up the shot put.
Having played basketball here-and-there prior to middle school, Watson was unsure as to whether she would take to the specialized spring sport. Add in the surprisingly heavy 8-pound implement and Watson’s reluctance grew even more.
“I thought, ‘I’m supposed to throw this, this far?,’” Watson said.
But there was something about shot put that, over time, grew on Watson. Through hard work and determination, Watson morphed that initial reluctance into a throw of 41-feet, 3-inches in Friday’s Region IV, 6A championship, which was good enough to punch a second straight ticket to the UIL state track and field meet.
Armed with confidence, Watson now prepares to take on a vaunted field as she fights for the podium.
“It’s exciting. I’ve been working hard to get back to it (state),” Watson said. “I’m surprised, but most of all, I thank God. I wouldn’t be here without God.”
Watson entered Friday’s regional meet on a roll, having claimed second place in the area meet and the 25-6A district title in the event in mid-April.
While there were some nerves going into the regional throw, Watson’s familiarity with performing under pressure took over.
That extends to her trip to state in 2017, along with three straight trips to throw at the Texas Relays.
Watson said watching athletes throw at Texas Relays gave her insight on not only competing at a high level, but also improving her skill.
Also ushering Watson’s success is Michelle Garcia, Lehman High track coach, who ensured Watson was “good before I got to track meets.”
“Seeing those girls throw, I looked at them and thought, ‘I could be there, I can be them, I could do that,’” Watson said. “It motivated me to do better.”
As a result, Watson’s ability to throw the shot farther got easier and easier, she said. Her natural competitiveness also played a pivotal factor as well.
“The thought of me throwing something that heavy the distance I do was cool,” Watson said.
Practice is now the focus for Watson and she joins three other Lobos who will make the trip to the state meet.
Having competed at Mike A. Myers stadium before, Watson believes she might have a leg up over her competition.
“I got a feel of the ring from Texas Relays, so it’s going to be cool,” Watson said.
