The starter raises the pistol and a sprinter sets his stance. His spikes dig into the track, fingers stretched across the surface, eyes focused straight ahead as the crowd noise faded. 

For a moment, everything is still.

Then pistol will go off and senior Deontae Lawson, a sprinter from Kansas City, MO will fall into another step on a journey that began with doubts and blossomed into conference status.

Lawson, a Magna Vista High School grad, those silent seconds before the race is a reflection of his growth. What began as a late introduction to track during his junior year of high school developed into a collegiate career with hard work, medals, and leadership.

Lawson said his introduction to the sport came later than most.

“I really didn’t start doing track until my junior year of high school,” Lawson said.

“Once I joined, my coach had me try everything with jumps and sprints.”

He quickly became a versatile athlete, competing in sprints and field events.

“Before I graduated, I honestly didn’t know what I was going to do,” Lawson said. 

“My coach helped me get in contact with Ferrum and once I talked to the coach here, I committed.”

His impact was quick. As a first year, Lawson qualified for conference during indoor and outdoor season, earning a 3rd place finish in the 4×400 meter relay and placing 10th in long jump.

“My first year went pretty well,” he said

“The best part was medaling as a freshman.”

But the momentum didn’t last long. During his sophomore season, injuries slowed him down and kept him from capturing another medal. “That hurt,” he expressed. “We were really close. I was physically and emotionally hurt and that motivated me to work even harder than before.” 

His junior year brought even more change, including a new coaching staff and roster adjustments. Despite  the difficulties, Lawson developed into a calm voice on the team. Ferrum Head Coach Andre Kidd said Lawson helped guide the team through the transition. 

“Deontae handled the change in leadership really well,” Kidd said.

“He was one of the key people involved in helping us find the right fit for this team. He is coachable, he listens, and he does what’s asked of him.”

As Lawson continued to grow, the coaching staff took notice of his work ethic. Assistant Coach Ben Gribbins said Lawson’s commitment stands out every day. “My first impression of Deontae was that he is a very team focused, hard working kid that wants to leave a legacy here,” Gribbins said. “No matter how he is feeling, he will put his body on the line for his team and practice late into the night. He’s always in the office asking questions and trying to learn. He’s a true joy to coach.”

Now in his senior year as Ferrum moves to Division II athletics , Lawson continues to contribute across multiple events. He ranked third on the team in the 60 meter and second in the 200 meter. He also contributed for the 4×400 relay team, long and triple jump.

Lawson said the indoor season wasn’t his best, but he’s motivated for what’s next.

“We just finished indoor and it wasn’t my best because I was still dealing with injuries,” Lawson said.

“But I made conference again and now I’m ready for outdoor.”

Kidd said Lawson’s daily approach is what sets him apart.

“He does what’s asked of him,” Kidd said. 

“He might fuss sometimes, but he always gets the work done. A lot of days he leads by example.”

Senior Kayden Ryder, teammate of Lawson,  said Lawson has always been the voice for the relay group.

“Deontae has always been the one to keep his head up and keep others moving forward,” Ryder said. 

“If we ever had a bad race together in a relay, it was always “It’s alright man. We’ll get it done next time.” I’ll always be grateful for having that during every season.”

Junior Emma Kelley, close friend of Lawson,  said Lawson’s support extends beyond the track. “Deontae  has always been there for me since I got here,” Kelley said.

“He has helped me on and off the track. No matter if I’m struggling with my jumps or just having a bad day, he always seems to know what to do.”

Another teammate of Lawson, sophomore Darryl Taylor said one moment with Lawson stands out above the rest. “Competing in my first conference championship with him is something I’ll never forget,” Taylor said.

“He pushed me and guided me the whole time.”

Taylor said Lawson’s personality of the track is just as meaningful. “He’s a great energetic, kind, caring person with wonderful sense of humor,” Taylor said

“I’ll always look at him like a big brother.”

When asked to describe him, Kelley didn’t hesitate. “Athletic, caring, funny and a diva,” she said.

As graduation approaches, Lawson said the moment feels unreal. “I’m a little sad honestly,” he said.

“It feels like the seasons went by fast.”

When the pistol fires one final time this outdoor season, it won’t just start another race. It will echo every stride he’s taken. From a late start in high school to a leader who helped a program during the D2 transition. For the teammates who trusted him, the coaches who pushed him and the sport that shaped him. Whatever comes next, he’ll carry those moments with him long after the spikes come off.