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FB Marshall's Coach Lloyd Banks celebrates with team following State Championship
TOUGHNESS OVER TALENT: Banks remains humble following recognition
It’s no secret that Fort Bend Marshall Track & Field is one of the top-tier programs in the state, which was evidenced by their recent UIL championship, this past Spring.
2022-23 FB Marhsall Track & Field Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
With that logic, wouldn’t it make sense that the Buffs would have one of the best coaches around?
Coach Lloyd Banks was recently recognized by his peers in the Texas Track and Field Coaches Association (TTFCA) as the Class 5A Coach of the Year.
Despite getting the recognition, Banks remained modest in his response.
Photo provided by Lloyd Banks
“At the end of the day, we all have a hand in it,” said Banks. “I truly believe that I have one of the best coaching staffs in the nation, and I have a great group of kids to work with. So, I can’t take all of the credit. I put it all in their lap, because nothing moves without them.
“I’ll say it all the time, ‘I run my mouth, and they just run.’ When we’re successful, the guy who manages it gets the love, but I know better. We all have a hand in it, when it comes to developing our kids. Fortunately, I’ve been blessed with having so many successful athletes.”
Photo provided by Lloyd Banks
Given how competitive the atmosphere is in the world of Texas high school T&F, how has Banks been able to maximize the potential of his athletes to a championship-caliber team?
“You’ll never be able to bank on your talent level every year because we’re in Texas -- it’s going to be difficult because everybody is talented,” he said. “The one thing I hang my hat on is that I have a tough group of kids.
“They’re resilient and dependable. When the lights come on, I know they won’t fold because we emphasize toughness over talent. I tell them having that mental 'will to win' weighs more than talent when it comes to winning a championship. They’ve bought into that, and they’ve been able to separate themselves that way.”
Of course, practicing day in and day out can weigh on a young student-athlete, which is something that Banks recognizes as a coach and an influencer.
Photo provided by Lloyd Banks
“We keep it light -- we don’t take ourselves too seriously as far as practice goes,” Banks said. “We’ll be playing music, enjoying ourselves, laughing with each other. We have a good rapport with each other and that goes further than track.
“Coaching track is easy, but what’s important is that we develop better young men and women for the community and society. They lock in when they need to be, but I feel that joking, fun atmosphere is what helps to build relationships and make this program distinct.”
It’s no wonder that his athletes put so much faith in Banks. Expect that trend to continue as the Buffs gear up for another school year.
Coach Remon Smith of Klein Forest Track & Field
THE MOTIVATOR: Smith gives credit to Klein Forest upon national recognition
Given that fact, it makes sense that he was recognized as both the Milesplit National Coach of the Year, as well as the Houston Chronicle’s Greater Houston 6A Coach of the Year
However, he didn’t give all the credit to himself.
“Words can’t really explain how great it feels to be recognized,” Smith said. “I’m excited. For me, I feel like the award is for my team, my community, my coaching staff, and the school itself. I just happen to be the recipient of it, but it was thanks to their efforts.”
As previously mentioned, Smith has had the privilege to work with numerous talented individuals throughout his tenure as a coach. His scope of influence began with his first coaching job, as the MacArthur girls coach in the mid-90s, before coaching the Nimitz boys track coach, and ultimately joining Klein Forest, seven years ago.
Of course, Smith recognized this too.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to have worked with some phenomenal young athletes, ranging from the girls I coached at MacArthur, to my first stint as a boys coach at Nimitz, before being blessed with the unbelievably talented athletes I’ve gotten to know at Klein Forest.”
“Through my career, I’ve learned how to understand the individuals--to motivate them and help them to succeed, which is all a coach can do. But again, I’ve just been blessed to be around such talented athletes. I just tell them, ‘Hey, I’m going to make sure the bus gets there on time, and get you home safe,’ and they do the rest.”
As a coach, it certainly can’t hurt to have some of the most well-rounded competitors in the state.
2022-23 Klein Forest Boys Track & FieldBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I think what separates the [Klein Forest] guys I’ve worked with is the fact that they are willing to do what others aren’t. They try to make the uncomfortable comfortable in their pursuit of titles. Those guys work hard and they are very resilient, both mentally and physically, which allows them to go to the next level.”
Talent aside, what’s the secret ingredient that coach Smith incorporates into his program--one that turns exemplary athletes into champions?
“I make them believe in themselves,” he said. “I try to help them understand that the only limits you have are the ones you put on yourself. They buy into that, and a lot of them will go on to exceed their own expectations. I think that’s another thing that has allowed me to succeed as a coach.”
You had better believe that coach Smith--and, by extension, Klein Forest--are far from done, when it comes to state championships.
Expect the team to be hungry for more, come next Spring.