Next Great Buff

Dominick Houston-Shepard is Marshall's dual-sport star

Dominick Houston-Shepard is Marshall's dual-sport star
Entering April, Houston- Shepard was ranked No. 1 in Texas in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 36.76 seconds Vype

The Marshall Buffs have another one on their hands.

Another elite level, dual-sport athlete who calls Thurgood Marshall High home. He’s the next big thing on Buffalo Run.

His name is Dominick Houston-Shepard.

He’s made his name on the football field, torching defense all the way to the Region III title game last season. After an early transition to wide receiver, he hasn’t looked back.

“My freshman year I switched from defensive back to wide receiver because I love to score,” said Houston- Shepard.

Believe it or not, football isn’t even his primary sport.

No one in the nation has the combination of speed, flexibility, drive and natural ability that Dominick displays when he runs the hurdles.

Entering the month of April, Houston- Shepard was ranked No. 1 in Texas in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 36.76 seconds. That time was also good for third fastest in the country.

“I started as an 11-year-old,” Houston-Shepard said. ”My summer track coach was a hurdler herself, so she told me she was going to train me. That same season I won gold at the AAU Junior Olympics.”

That coach knows a thing or two about hurdling, considering she’s the three-time Big West 100-meter hurdle champion Tanya Davis Moore.

Moore runs a club track team that saw the potential of a young Houston-Shepard. He’s more than delivered on the promise Moore saw in him all those years ago. He still has loftier goals in mind as he eyes the state hardware.

After a fourth place finish in the 110-meter hurdles at state last year, Houston-Shepard has run with a vengeance in 2018.

In the 110-meter hurdles, Houston-Shepard has five first place finishes, including running a 14.16 at the Victor Lopez Classic. In the 300-meter hurdles, Houston- Shepard has reigned in three first place finishes, including a personal record at the Victor Lopez Classic.

But winning these meets in the hurdles aren’t the ultimate goal this season.

“My goal is to win state in both hurdles,” said Houston-Shepard.

So what’s the magic ingredient that FB Marshall has built their track legacy on?

“We consistently have some of the best athletes because of our work ethic,” said Houston-Shepard.

This article appears in the April Issue of VYPE Magazine. Pick up your copy at any one of our locations today!

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Has Christian Walker finally turned the corner? Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

The Houston Astros return to Daikin Park on Tuesday night looking to keep their momentum going as they host the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET, with Ryan Gusto (3-1, 2.78 ERA) on the mound for Houston against Detroit’s Reese Olson (3-1, 3.29 ERA).

Winners of seven of their last ten, the Astros (15-13) have found their rhythm after a rocky start to the season. Their recent surge has been fueled by dominant pitching — a 2.35 ERA over the last 10 games — and improved production at the plate, including a .264 team batting average over that span. Houston has also outscored opponents by 18 runs during that stretch and boasts a solid 10-6 record at home.

While the offense has yet to fully catch fire, signs of life are emerging. Jeremy Peña continues to be a steady presence with five doubles and three homers, while Christian Walker has driven in six runs over his last 10 games, including three long balls. The Astros’ bats will be tested against a Tigers staff that leads the American League with a 2.86 ERA.

Houston’s Tuesday starter, Ryan Gusto, has been sharp through his first five outings, posting a 1.10 WHIP and 23 strikeouts. He’ll look to keep Detroit’s bats quiet, especially red-hot Zach McKinstry, who’s hitting .406 over his last 10 games, and slugger Spencer Torkelson, who already has eight homers this season.

The Tigers (18-11) may sit atop their division, but they’ve struggled away from home, going just 5-8 on the road. The Astros will look to capitalize and even the season series in their second matchup with Detroit.

With the offense trending upward and the pitching staff in a groove, Houston has a prime opportunity to keep building momentum in front of the home crowd.

Here's a sneak peek at the Astros lineup. Altuve is once again batting second after asking manager Joe Espada to move him down in the batting order. Zach Dezenzo is playing right field with Cam Smith getting the night off. Jake Meyers is back in center field and Mauricio Dubon is starting at second base.

Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot

A big test awaits

It appears the Astros may have tipped their hand regarding tomorrow's starting pitcher. Chandler Rome is reporting AJ Blubaugh is at Daikin Park today.

Following Tuesday night's game, Blubaugh has been officially announced as the starter.

Espada said Hayden Wesneski is not injured but needs more time to recover from his last start.

*ChatGPT assisted.

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