The boys’ track team was awarded The Cedric Walker Development Grant from the National Scholastic Athletic Foundation (NSAF) on Sept. 15.

“The NSAF was established to help junior elite level athletes realize their full potential,” Head Boys Track Coach Macka Jones said.

The organization works to raise funds for high school track and field programs.

“The NSAF makes it possible for track athletes to achieve goals they may not have been able to otherwise,” Jones said.

Jones, who has received the same grant before in another district, has personally met the man who the award was named after.

“(Cedric) was a good man with a huge heart that loved helping the kids,” he said. “He has been a huge inspiration for me in recent years.”

The coach applied before school started.

“As the new boys track and field coach, I knew I had to get my program off and running fast,” Jones said.

The team plans to use the grant money to help with expenses, so they can attend the 2015 Texas Relays.

“I am looking forward to seeing and participating in Texas Relays,” junior Chuck Harris said. “It would be my first time.”

With a low level of funds for the team, Jones said he appreciates the help.

“Track and field is not a high revenue sport and doesn’t receive the funding that most sports get,” he said.

Jones said he believes that experiencing the relays will help the athletes grow.

“Cedric (the grant is in memory of him) knew, when you have athletes that are capable of competing at a high school level, they need to see elite competition.” Jones said

He said he looks forward to what the year has in store for him and the team.

Jones said, “This grant is just a window of things to come.”