Fort Gibson Middle School seventh-grader Julius Aquino concluded an undefeated track season in Oklahoma by winning the 100-meter dash in the Verdigris Valley Conference championship April 23 in Catoosa, Oklahoma.

“He never lost the 100 in any track meet,” said Fort Gibson track coach Greg Whiteley.

Julius, a Seminole, crossed the finish line in 12.32 seconds to win the boys seventh-grade race. His time was nearly one second faster than the runner-up. Not only was his time the fastest in his grade, but it would have been the fourth fastest in the ninth-grade race.

The 12.32 mark wasn’t Julius’s fastest time of the year. Whiteley clocked him at 11.7 seconds in the previous race.

“Being under 12 for a seventh grade kid is unbelievable,” Whiteley said.

Similar to his uncles Jesse Sanchez and Sammy Micco Sanchez, who are football and wrestling standouts at Fort Gibson High School, Julius is carving his niche as a multiple-sport athlete at a young age.

“He’s a really gifted running back and a really good wrestler,” Whiteley said.

Julius also helped Fort Gibson win the conference championship in the 4×100 and 4×400 relays. He served as the team’s anchor runner, which means he crossed the finish line in a familiar spot: first place.

“He’s fast and he works hard at everything he does, and he’s a great kid,” Whiteley said.