For four years, Tommy Jenkins won the 100- and 200-meter dashes at the Howard County Boys Track and Field Meet.

For the last three years, the Western sprinter was the champion in both events at the Mid-Indiana Conference.

As a sophomore, the Panther was the 100 and 200 dash champion at the IHSAA Kokomo Sectional and a state qualifier in the 100 dash.

As a junior last season, he was second in both races to the Wildkats' Major Ramsey, who went on to state in the 100.

He'd like to match the accomplishment of the 2004 Kokomo graduate and return to his winning ways. That attempt starts tonight when the Kokomo Sectional begins at 5 p.m. at Walter Cross Field.

Looking at last season, Jenkins knew he had to make some changes if he wanted to reach his goal of returning to state. He used Ramsey as an example of what he wanted to accomplish.

"I know Major put in a lot of work. Seeing him go through and put in the work gave me motivation for this year," he said. "This year, I wrestled again and that helped a lot. Chad [Shepherd, Western's wrestling coach] got me into really good shape.

"I have a little more experience, I'm stronger, leaner and lighter than I was at the end of last year."

Western sprint coach Mike Shepherd looks at his senior standout and says the difference is that Jenkins is running "with a lot more determination."

"During his junior year, he laid out of wrestling and ran instead," Shepherd said. "He was running for three or four months over the winter and his legs tired out late in the season."

It's obvious to Mike Shepherd why his star pupil is doing so well this season.

"As a sophomore, he was hungry. He was the first sprinter from here to make it to state," he said. "He's hungry this season. He wants to get back and redeem himself for a bad start at state.

"His technique is much better. He's reading the wind, not panicking in races and not stretching for his stride. Those are all things that come as you gain experience."

In the back of his mind, Tommy knew he'd had a successful career in the county and MIC, but it wasn't until after the county meet that it hit him.

"I didn't realize I'd had that kind of success. It wasn't a goal," he said. "At the end of my races at county, Dad and Dana [Neer, Western's track coach] came up and congratulated me for it and I think that's when I realized it really."

By wrestling this season, he's 25 pounds lighter now than he was a year ago.

"Being on the mat and the conditioning they go through in wrestling has been a big asset," Mike Shepherd said. "He changed his routine. He's a senior and wanted to break the school record in the 100."

Jenkins accomplished that, breaking the mark Ron Riebe set in 1989. He's also close to the 200 record of 22.9 Riebe set that same year. Jenkins believes he has a more realistic chance of getting to state in the 100 rather than the 200, but getting to state is the primary goal.

Although he didn't start running until he was in eighth grade -- "I wasn't interested in it before that" -- it was in his family's background. His father, Bill, owned the hurdles at Western and set an MIC mark in the 300 lows. Now, he coaches the Panther hurdlers, including Sean Holsapple, who enters the sectional with the best time in both events.

Hurdles, however, were never in his son's mind.

"I'm too short to do hurdles. He wanted me to try the 300s a few years ago. I refused. Sean does a good job and I'll let him keep that up," Tommy said. "Dad never actually coached me in track but he gives me advice and pointers at meets. He films me at meets and we go through it later."

The other fun part of this season has been the performance of the 400 relay team that includes freshman Alex Sigler, senior Adam Trost and Holsapple.

"We knew in practicing over the winter we'd have a decent sprint team, but not what we've had so far," said Jenkins, the lone member of the team who had ever run the relay before this season. "All of them are in their first time doing it and everyone is coming along. Adam is a senior, but he's a freshman to track and he's really doing well."

Whatever happens over the next three weeks, Mike Shepherd has been proud to work with Jenkins.

"Four years ago, Tommy and I started in the program together. I've really learned from him as much as he's learned from me," the coach said. "He's taught me about spirit, drive and determination."

Two years ago, he helped the Panthers tie Kokomo for the sectional title. Last year, Ramsey led the Kats back to first. Jenkins would like to duplicate that accomplishment as well.

To take the team title will take a big effort on the Panthers' part.

"I think it will take a full team effort. We've seen Kokomo's times and quality and it will give us everything its got," Jenkins said.