KFDM COOP Posted May 8, 2009 Report Posted May 8, 2009 Gloston leaving great mark on WO-S track program Van Wade The Orange Leader WEST ORANGE — They simply call him “Honey Man†at West Orange-Stark. Mustang senior Josh Gloston has seen his share of big games on the gridiron as a defensive back for the Mustangs, making all district at defensive back last season. However, Gloston’s best place to shine is on the track & field surface. Boy, has he ever. As a sophomore and junior, Gloston picked up state medals in Austin. As a sophomore, Gloston won a bronze as part of a 400-meter relay unit that featured him, Dominique Rhodes, Jacoby Franks and Earl Thomas as they ran a 41.46 at state. As a junior, Gloston joined Trey Franks, Nick Reed and Seth Thomas on the silver-winning 800-meter relay as they ran a 1:27.02. This year, Gloston is the “old man†of the team, but don’t think one bit that his legs are tired as a senior. “It’s been a great senior year,†said Gloston. “I’ve been a part of good track team but this one is the best, we’re very deep. We’ve got guys that can go out and produce big numbers.†Gloston is the first leg of three relays this year, starting off the 400, 800 and 1,600-meter relays for the Mustangs. WO-S has ran the fastest 400-meter relay (41.87) in Southeast Texas this season as well as the 800-meter relay (1:28.1). “What can I say, we’re fast,†said Gloston. “I think we have more speed than most teams in the state. The key for us is our handoffs. If we can get trhough that with no mistakes, we’ve got a chance to bring home some gold this year.†Mustang track coach Toby Foreman knows he has a gem in Gloston. “I’ve been involved with track for a long time and Josh is one of the most if not the most consistent kids I’ve ever had,†said Foreman. “I can remember him as a wide-eyed sophomore when we went to Austin. Now, he’s a great senior leader.†Even with Gloston’s speed, Foreman loves to let him lead off each relay. “Nobody gets out of the blocks better than Josh,†said Foreman. “He sets the tone for us in each race and gets us the lead in a hurry. He’s also so strong in his handoffs, that gives everybody else confidence early in the races.†Gloston is proud to lead things off. “I’ve always been able to get off to a good start,†said Gloston. “There’s nothing like getting that early lead. I think it also helps pushing my teammates, making them want to keep the lead and stretch it out.†Gloston certainly learned more about the “art†of track, running with the likes of Rhodes, Jacoby Franks and Earl Thomas in his first two years in the program. “I really looked up to those guys,†said Gloston. “They kinda took me in and showed me the ropes. Each meet seemed to get bigger and bigger each time I ran with them and they were always there, keeping me mentally and physically ready to go. Hopefully I’m doing the same thing with the young guys we have now.†A slight kink has been thrown Gloston and the Mustangs’ way with the swine flu issue pushing back the Class 3A Region III Track & Field Championships to May 15-16 at Humble High School. At first, the University Interscholastic League were not going to allow regional meets and would just go on the four best district times in each region to decide who would reach the State Track Meet. “I was in the Stark Museum of Art touring with my class week and our teacher broke the news,†said Gloston. “I was like, What? I still liked our chances as far as going to state and all but I was in shock. It wasn’t a way I wanted my senior year to wrap up. I’m glad regionals are back, it can be settled on the track.†Gloston feels the wait can help the Mustangs. “It might be a good thing, two extra weeks of practice,†said Gloston. “It’ll give us more time to work on handoffs and stuff.†Gloston picked up his nickname “Honey Man†early on in junior high. His father, Joel Gloston, had that nickname in the early 1980s when he ran on the relays and also competed in the hurdles. “There are some coaches still here that remember my Dad and calling him ‘Honey Man’ and it just caught on with me in junior high when Coach Gillette started calling me that.†That settles it. Many thought it might have been when Gloston got out of the blocks in a “sweet†way, leaving other competitors in the dust.
stang4life Posted May 9, 2009 Report Posted May 9, 2009 Very humble, well-mannered, dedicated young man! I remember seeing his dad, brothers and him running in the Anderson Elementary area at night. His father has done an awesome job! Great to see he'll be playing at the next level. A gem, he is! The coaching ain't too bad either!! ;D
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