It didn't take long for it to happen but this Saturday we likely had our moment of the season with McKenzi Watkins winning the 3200m run at The Brian Watkins Invitational. That win alongside her XC state title will go down as her two biggest wins, so far, as a high school athlete.
Read More About McKenzi Watkins & Her Late Father's Special 3200
Though winning any title is important for an athlete, this one meant a lot more. The meet name says it all as to why this one was so important; Brian Watkins who was McKenzi's father is who the meet is named after. It was named that after he passed away just months before the start of the outdoor track season by his good friend Coach Bill Stearns.
McKenzi was only an infant when her father passed away but ever since the meet was named after her late father she has been a part of this great meet.
Year after year the 3200 has had a special ceremony to honor and celebrate Brian's life and his contributions to track & field. At the conclusion of each year's 3200 it was McKenzi presenting the winners with a commemorative watch.
This year was different.
This year McKenzi was the champion and she received her watch from her grandfather. Needless to say, there wasn't a dry eye around. It is moments like this that show us how important the entire track and field community is and how each and every race have a special meaning.
