Julian Barton, Booker track and field, Sr.

On the track: Barton ended his high school career with a stellar showing at the UIL Class 2A state track and field meet at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin on Saturday.

Making his third appearance at the storied track, Barton left everything he had walking away with two medals. Barton came out blazing in the 400-meter dash taking the lead on the curve to pull away for a time of 49.01 to win the gold medal. Less than an hour later, Barton again showed his speed getting another impressive time of 22.21 for a bronze medal. He also pulled the mile relay team from ninth to fifth as the anchor leg, however, the Booker mile relay team was disqualified for having a runner out of lane.

Barton ends his career as a four-time medalist between Follett and Booker and a two-time gold medalist.

Nadine Barton: “Julian rises to the level of competition. Watching him win the state title in the 400 with a 49.01 was the icing on the cake and a full circle moment. He set a goal to get to state and win that title his freshman season. As soon as we arrived at Mike A. Myers, he was locked in. He was a little worried about his hamstring, but he knew he was going to anchor the mile relay, so he told me he ran cautiously in the 200, and ended up with the bronze. He was able to run a 49.83 split in the mile relay to get a 5th place finish. Unfortunately, our relay was disqualified due to one of the guys running out of his lane inadvertently, but overall, it was a tremendous way to go out for him.”

Julian Barton: “It was awesome to get a gold and end up with two medals. I felt really good out there and being a senior, I wanted to go out doing the best I could. Getting an individual gold is something I have also been working toward.”

About Barton

Favorite band or musician: Drake

Favorite social media platform: TikTok

Favorite athlete: Kyrie Irving

Bet you didn’t know: He wishes he could do a backflip. 

Parents: Garrett and Nadine Barton.