Crunch.

He was dashing in between cones when he fell to the ground. His hamstring felt like it shrunk to a third of its size.

Junior Joel Lewis waited six months to recover from his shoulder surgery in July just to pull his hamstring in February, two weeks before track season. He’s had four major injuries in the past three years. Joel recovered and was one of two alternates for the 4×100 relay at the region meet on April 18 and the previous district and area meets.

“I’ve always loved running, no matter what sport it was in,” Joel said. “I really like [track,] and that’s why it was so upsetting that I [pulled my hamstring.] This season was supposed to be everything.”

Joel played basketball and soccer when he was in middle school and participated in football for two years, alongside track. He migrated fully toward track after his shoulders were injured to the point where he wasn’t allowed to play football anymore.

“He’s extremely motivated,” head track coach Chance Edwards said. “He’s definitely in our top six sprinters, so when he [pulled his hamstring] at the start of the season, it [wasn’t good for the team].”

Between May 2022 and July 2024, Joel had three injuries that required surgery. One of the surgeries dealt with his left shoulder and the other two with his right — he tore his labrums each time, and also broke his shoulder bone the third time.

He timed his final surgery so that he could be back in time for track season in February, but pulled his hamstring two weeks after his recovery.

“The injuries have been upsetting,” Joel’s dad, Bob Lewis, said. “But [they weren’t] devastating, and we have high hopes for the future. We just hope he doesn’t get injured again.”

Joel was an alternate at the recent district and area meets. Although he participates in the 100-meter dash and 200-meter dash, the 4×100 meter relay is what he stood by in at the region meet on April 18.

“He [was] there because he’s fast and reliable,” Edwards said. “He has a good handoff, and we can trust him if he needs to step in.”

Joel has been using varying strengthening methods to heal his hamstring, including cryotherapy, foam rolling, massage therapy and stretching.

“I hope to fully recover after this season ends,” Joel said. “Having to run is what’s keeping it injured, so afterward, I’m going to go easier on myself in hopes of performing well in my senior year.”