Terrence Dunlap capped off his junior year at Maplesville High School by being crowned the Class 1A state champion in two events during the State Track and Field Finals in Cullman May 5-7.

Dunlap built his confidence over the three-day span and won the boys’ 400- and 200-meters, while finishing runner-up in the 100-meter dash.

Each race was an improvement in his performance from the year before in the state finals.

“His times have just continued to get better,” Maplesville coach Tate Leonard said. “That’s all you can ask for as a coach. He’s been a joy to watch.”

There was a sense of redemption after Dunlap just missed out on earning wins in the 400- and 200-meter races as a sophomore, and slipped out of the blocks during the 100-meter event last year.

“It doesn’t matter if we’re practicing or playing dodge ball, this is the most competitive school that you could be at,” Dunlap said. When you have a lot of student leaders, it can make the job a lot easier for the coaches.

Hard work is what it’s all about, and the coaches have instilled that over the years.”

Each race requires a different mental and physical approach for the competitors.

“The 400 works on your endurance, while the 100 relies more on your natural gifts,” Dunlap said.

Dunlap started running track in ninth grade.

“I was out at the field one day, and coach Tate asked if I would run against one of the fastest guys on the track team,” Dunlap said.

Dunlap won the race and has not slowed down since.

The track program has succeeded despite the absence of a track and a lack of team depth.

“We don’t have a lot of kids come out for track, which proves how much work it is,” Leonard said.

The Red Devils had another top finisher as eighth grader Janiya Moore earned a fourth-place result in the girls’ 100-meter and a fifth-place finish in the 200-meter competition.

“She’s going to be special once she figures out how good she really is,” Leonard said.

According to Leonard, the team practices on the football field and is known to run around the school.

“My junior year will be one that I will always remember, and I had the privilege of sharing it with a great group of seniors,” Dunlap said.