Ex-Bowie track star in a rush to improve at BSU

BOWIE, Maryland  -- When he was in middle school, running track was the last thing on DeAndre Watson's mind. Nowaday for the junior at Bowie State, it's usually at the forefront.

Watson, a former soccer player, made it his goal to compete in the Penn Relays in Philadelphia -- the oldest track and field competition in the country -- during his freshman year at Bowie High School.

Considering his considerable athletic gifts, it didn't take long for Watson to fall in love with the idea of using his speed competitively.

"I always knew I was fast," he said.

Bowie High track and field coach Rich Andrulonis had grown aware of Watson's speed by the time Watson joined the school's team in his junior year. Watson credits Andrulonis for teaching him the basics -- i.e. improving his form and perfecting handoffs during relays.

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