TEXARKANA, Texas - Liberty-Eylau senior Tavieon Neal has run away from the competition all spring.
Neal most recently notched a 10.45 in the 100 meters at the Gas Capital Relays in Carthage, Texas.
"That was actually a terrible race," Neal said. "I had a horrible takeoff and I didn't finish the way that I needed to. I've worked much more harder than a 10.45, so hopefully I can get my time down by the next meet.
"Right now, I want to be smoother in my races, so I can get faster times. I'm becoming more comfortable out there, so hopefully I'll be able to reach a few personal goals I have."
With Neal's personal record, the Leopard upperclassman began to gain more attention from colleges and also a retuned motivation for his next few races.
"The University of Arkansas emailed me the next day after the race," Neal said. "Jarrion Lawson went to Arkansas, so I was happy about that.
"I talk to the University of Arkansas-Little Rock a little bit. Houston is also on the radar."
Neal's next meet is the District 15-4A track meet, held at Harris Field, Wednesday and Thursday.
"There's a lot of guys that go far in track," Neal said. "Personally, I know I haven't done anything yet. I'm expecting a lot more from myself. I've worked extremely hard.
"I think I've worked harder than a 10.45. I know I have more to offer, so I hope I can push myself to achieve more out there."
Neal's favorite subject at L-E is math.
"I'm really good in math," Neal said. "I've enjoyed my time here at Liberty-Eylau. I'm not ready for it to be over but I understand it is almost over.
"I appreciate all of the coaches here that have helped me."
Neal is the son of Timeka and Myreon Neal.
"I'm extremely dedicated," Neal said. "I grind so much. Last semester, I would wake up before school and get a hard workout in. I would go to school and get another workout in after school. I was constantly trying to push myself every day.
"I went to state as a freshman, sophomore, unable to go my junior year because of COVID, and now we're in the senior season. This is my first year to run singles, because I've mostly ran relays."