06/05/2026
Track Coach's Emotional Testimony Exposes Sacred Team Space Violated in Frisco Stabbing
Frisco, Texas — In the murder trial of Karmelo Anthony for the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at an April 2025 high school track meet, Memorial High School head track coach Rob Starr delivered powerful testimony about team culture and the moment he found his athlete dying on the ground.
Starr explained the unwritten rules that govern track meets across the state. "As far as the tent specifically--basically the tent marks your spot," he said. "What the tent represents is kind of like your bench. Think of it like a football or basketball bench. That tent is a safe area for your team."
He added that athletes store belongings and valuables under the tent, with coaches sometimes assigned to watch over them. "It is a big deal to keep people out from underneath your tent."
Starr had asked Metcalf that morning to step up as a leader while he ran events. Later, spotting commotion under his team's tent from across the field, Starr rushed over. "What I do see is Austin on the ground and his face is purple and he has a big hole in his chest," he testified, breaking down in tears.
Metcalf's twin brother Hunter pointed out Anthony. Starr approached the suspect, who was walking calmly with his coaches. He then returned to pray with the hysterical Hunter as heavy rain fell. "I jumped the gate and I went to Hunter, and he was hysterical. I just knelt down and I just prayed with him." Starr said he "just knew Austin was gone."
The coach sobbed on the stand recalling a text he sent Metcalf the day after: "Love you man. Sorry I didn't say that enough."
This testimony underscores the clear boundaries at such events and the senseless breach that led to a young man's death. Anthony faces murder charges, with his defense claiming self-defense. The trial continues.
