The phrase “actions speak louder than words” might be the best way to sum up the track and field exploits of Widefield’s Derek McAllister, whom Gladiator coach Fred Marjerrison describes as “a pretty quiet kid, doesn’t say much, but he is a very tough competitor.”

On Saturday, at the Pueblo Centennial Invitational, the soft-spoken senior sprinter reaffirmed that phrase as he left opponents in his wake on the way to individual victories in the 100, 200 and 400, and ran the anchor leg on the winning 400 relay. In the process, McAllister set meet records in the 200 (22.53 seconds), 400 (49.71) and the relay (43.99) and his efforts helped the Gladiators to a second-place team finish behind Colorado Springs Metro League foe Falcon.

McAllister’s actions may speak louder as the season progresses. Marjerrison said he’s the “top sprinter in the city” in the 200 and 400 and his times are better than those (at this point in the season last year) of Widefield graduate Patrick Richards, the 2008 Class 4A boys 400 state champion.

Were you surprised with your performance at the meet?It’s kind of what I expected. I just wanted to go out there with the (nice) weather and do well.

What is your favorite event?My favorite event is the 400.

What is your best event?The 400 as well.

Which is the most difficult event to train for?The 400. I think it’s the hardest sprint. To come run it day in and day out. You train very hard for it so when it comes to the meet it’s a little bit easier.

Do you train differently for the different events?No. On our club team we all do a 400 workout. You run the 400 and one other event you wan to run. At school we go out and we have certain workouts we do.

What club did you run with this winter?I ran with the Colorado Springs Striders.

What types of events did you run?I did the 400 and 200.

Who do you feel will be your top competition in the CSML?I have a couple club teammates, Michael Petherick (Falcon) and Aaron Blevins (Falcon).

How about at state?I’m not sure. Everybody who beat me last year, they graduated. Castle View has a kid (Arthurean McGee) and Pueblo South has a kid (Rory Bowen-Jimenez).

Do you have any brothers and sisters and are they athletes?I have an older brother and an older sister. My brother used to play basketball and my sister used to swim.

Did they set any examples for you to follow?I’ve always looked up to them, especially my brother. I always wanted to be like him. And my sister, she never gave up in her sport, and in track I go out there and just never give up.

Are your parents supportive of your participation in sports?Yes, they are. They show up to all my track meets. They made a deal with me that as long as I’m in sports I wouldn’t have to work.

Do you participate in any other sports?I do football and I gave up basketball, but I used to do that too.

What are your goals for this season?My goal is to be the best, to go out there and be undefeated in the 400 and to be a state champion in one of my events.

Have you set any goals for the future?My goal is to get a full ride scholarship to a college and run track and see where it goes.

How is the college search going?I visited the Air Force Academy and BYU. I’m going to CSU in Fort Collins (today).

Is there a school you prefer over others?I would like to get into the Air Force Academy. I’m looking for somebody that will pay for a full ride.

What curriculum will you study?I’m not sure yet, maybe physical therapy or engineering.

How are your grades?I average a 3.4 (grade point average) and I did alright on my ACT. I got a 21. My parents have always taught me to be a student first before an athlete, so I do well in school.

Photo by JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE