Doherty junior Kenny "Tres" Chambers was 5 meters behind the leader when he grasped the baton for the final leg of the 400 relay Saturday at the 5A Colorado Springs Metro League Track and Field Championships. He passed his competitor, and the Spartans won the event in 42.73 seconds. The victory propelled Doherty to the title, 127.33-126.5 over Fountain-Fort Carson. Chambers also won the 100, 200 and triple jump, and his 200 time of 21.47 is the fastest in the state this year.

Your team knew Fountain-Fort Carson would be tough to beat. What did you and the other team captains tell the team to motivate them?
We had a sit-down with all the boys on the track team. At the time, we figured we were in the running for second. We told them we all needed to stick together, try our best and give 100 percent. We needed to stay focused on our goal, which was to win Metro.

How big was Saturday's team victory?
That was the biggest meet that we've ever had. Even the seniors on the team, none of the boys has ever won the championship.

What was on your mind when you took the handoff in the relay?
I knew that we were going to be right next to Rampart or a little behind Rampart. I was just hoping that we would be close enough together to tighten the gap or even win.

You currently have the top 200 time in the state. What does that mean going into state?
It means a lot, but I'm still not at my goal. It's going to be competitive at state so hopefully I will reach my goal of 21.3.

Which of your victories on Saturday was the most satisfying?
Our relay, because all of us have worked real hard this season. We've been trying to go under 43 all season. It's great momentum going into the state meet.

Which event is your favorite?
My two favorite events are the (400 relay) and the 100-meter dash. I love to run the 100. It's my favorite race by far. It's one of those races that always gets me going.

What are your goals for state?
I would like to place in the top three in all my events. It's going to take a team effort to do well (in the relay), but I think we can do it. Our coaches have prepared us well.

What are Doherty's goals at state?
We want to place in the top five.

Your coach (Rob Duensing) says you lead by example and are like a cheerleader on the sidelines for your teammates. How would you describe yourself?
All I try to do is get everyone motivated and help out. Our main goal as juniors and seniors is help out the freshmen and sophomores. Sometimes they get nervous. We try to lead by example.

How would your teammates describe you?
I hope they describe me as a pretty good leader.

How does offseason track prepare you for the high school track season?
I usually start preparing for spring during December. Our spring season is only 12 weeks so we can't reach our peak. We can't achieve our goals if we don't start early.

You also participate in football. Do you feel that contributes to your success on the track?
If you compete in any sport, it teaches you how to deal with people around you. It helps you communicate with your teammates and be on the same page, so playing any other sport would help you with your main sport.

Are there any professional athletes who inspire you?
Pretty much all professional athletes inspire me because of their work ethic in whatever sport they play.

Does anyone else inspire you?
My family, friends, coaches and all of the people close to me. They inspire me and are the reason I've done well this spring and in other seasons. They are the reason I've been able to accomplish any of this.

How has your family supported your athletic endeavors?
My family, they're at every track meet and they are the reason I am so successful. They are my biggest support system. We are a very close family.

Are you involved in anything in your community?
My mom and I volunteer at Marian House Soup Kitchen. This summer, I will work at churches and do a lot of community things helping out people who are less fortunate than I am.

Why do you perform community service?
I am very blessed and I have a lot of things some people don't have so I feel it's the least I can do to help out people who are less fortunate than I am. One day I will take my kids to places we go to help people.