It began in the chilly winter months. It continues this spring on the track virtually every day and with seemingly countless sessions in a dimly lit weight room.

Tolleson High’s Alex Poe wants to be a championship sprinter. He is only a sophomore and knows he has a long way to go, that it will not be easy. He is in the midst of a transformation.

Poe competed in his first state meet last season and showed some promise.

Now, Tolleson head track coach Jim Baker says Poe has made “a drastic transformation from last season. He is taking a role where he wants to be successful, and the work that goes with it. You also want to keep a young person like that, as they get more attention, “level-headed.’

“It’s about having the right attitude, you know, “Victory With Honor.’ It’s great to win, but it’s nice to be able to say something to your competitors.’’

Poe’s main event is the 200, but he also competes in the 100, the 4x100 and the 4x400 relays and the 400 on occasion.

He said he likes the 200 when he hits the final curve and heads into the straightaway.

“I don’t really like anybody being close to me. It makes me go faster, which is good. Bud it also would be good to be in front all by yourself,’’ he said.

Tolleson sprint coach Pat Riley said Poe “has that sprinter’s attitude. He intends to be the best and he takes it personally, takes it seriously. He knows you have to be out here working to get better.’’

Poe played seventh- and eighth-grade club football in El Mirage, and started to become interested in track before moving to Tolleson.

The 5-foot-9, 167 ½-pound athlete also plays football as a running back but thinks his future could be as a sprinter.

He will be competing in Saturday’s (April 6) Greenway Invitational at Phoenix Greenway High and hopes to use that as a measuring stick for state competition.

Poe attempted the hurdles early in his career, but realized the event wasn’t for him.

“You have to slow down and get your speed back up,’’ he said.

He is learning more and more about academics and what it takes to balance studying with his work on the track.

And he enjoys watching some of the larger meets around the world. Olympic gold-medal sprinter Usain Bolt of Jamaica is his idol.

“He has that long stride. I wish I was taller so I could have that,’’ Poe said.

Bolt is 6-5.

“Maybe I can grow an inch or two more,’’ Poe said. “I would be happy if I do.’’

What would make him even happier is a strong finish at the state meet. He knows there are no guarantees, only that he must keep working hard whether he wins or loses.