Published
07.22.20
Fort Worth O.D. Wyatt
The State of Texas has a reputation for churning out amazing high school sprinters. From Roy Martin’s 20.13 200 meter record in 1985, to Matthew Boling’s 10.13 100 meter record last year, the state continues to produce a litany of talented short distance athletes each year. Yet with all of the individual accomplishments in the Texas track and field history books, no record is more impressive than the 4 x 100 meter relay from Fort Worth’s O.D. Wyatt in 1998.
Their team was comprised of four seniors {Monte Clopton, Michael Frankiln, Demario “Mario” Wesley}, and one sophomore {Mario’s little brother, Milton Wesley}. Referring to themselves as The Four M’s, the quartet broke 40 seconds in the sprint relay 5 times that season. Their fastest time of 39.76 is still the National High School Record. The team also broke the National Record for the 4 x 200 meters, despite never racing that distance before.
The thing that the record books never mention, was the confidence and style with which The Chaparrals carried themselves. They would walk onto the track with their matching sweat suits, and their hoodies synched up in 100 degree Texas heat. Despite advancements in equipment and technology, no four high schoolers have been able to replicate the speed or finesse required to break this incredible record. Their story is truly a special moment in track history.
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