By Kevin Lonnquist
NTX Varsity Sports Columnist
Next Thursday, arguably the second-most anticipated and watched Texas High School sporting event takes place: The UIL state track and field meet in Austin.
If you’ve never been to Mike A. Myers Track & Soccer Stadium at the University of Texas, it’s a treat. Track & Field reveals speed, power, desire and the will to win. The stands are packed. Don’t be surprised if the stadium is sold out for each day. That’s how popular this sport is.
Consider the current Olympic greats who competed in this decorated scene: Sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson (Dallas Carter), Long jump and triple jump specialist Jasmine Moore (Mansfield Lake Ridge), sprinter Fred Kerley (Taylor) and distance runner Bryce Hoppel (Midland). This state also is home to one of the greatest sprinters in Olympic and world history in Dallas Skyline’s Michael Johnson.
With this state bulging with athletes, just qualifying for the state meet is its own victory. The NTX Varsity Sports coverage area features several who one day may have the opportunity to compete in the ultimate competition.
Everything starts Thursday with Class 3A and 4A. Friday features 2A and 5A. Saturday culminates between 1A and 6A.
One thing to keep in mind is how the winds from the South could influence the running events. It’s always a factor. If they are strong, times could be slower. Should they be decent, then state and national records could fall.
For now, let’s recognize who will compete for the podium next Thursday-Saturday.
Aledo: Molly Garrison (1600, 3200), Tyler Connelly (1600, 3200); Addie Fields (pole vault).
Notable: Garrison won the Class 5A Region I title in each event. She is a known in cross country. She should be seeing some familiar faces at state. It’s all about making the right move down the stretch to cross the finish line first. Garrison has signed with Texas.
Corsicana: Corbin Branch (long jump); Measha Rhinehart (Triple jump, 400M), Girls 4×400
Notable: Corsicana is developing into a Class 5A track power. Last year, it produced 110-meter-and-300-meter hurdle state champion Ja’Shaun Lloyd. Lloyd broke a 45-year state record in the 110. For Rhinehart, who is going to run in college at North Texas, she earned a wild card berth in the triple jump. The girls relay team also earned a wild card berth.
Springtown: Miriam Kolb (discus)
Notable: Springtown has always managed to send somebody to state in the field events. Kolb continues that tradition. She finished second in the 4A Region I meet in Lubbock.
Glen Rose: Tyson Sullivan (300H)
Notable: It’s been a great season for Sullivan. He competed in the Texas Relays several weeks ago and finished third in the 110H. Sullivan is seeded right in the middle of the field. But the advantage he may have is that he already knows this track and its nuances.
Decatur: Ava Green (High Jump), Keaton Goode (Shot put)
Notable: Green is the 4A Region I champion and has enjoyed incredible success. She also won at the area meet. Her regional best effort of 5-6 puts her in the middle of the field. The state’s best is 5-9.
Paradise: Boys 4×100, 4×200, Ady Stoltz 400
Notable: The 4×100 broke the Class 3A Region II record for its performance of 41.68 seconds. But that’s only good enough to equal Wall, which won the Region I title with the same time. The nine teams competing in this event are separated by one half second. That should be fun to watch.
Krum: Marlie Morris (100H, Triple Jump, Long Jump), Kara Heckler (Triple Jump, Long Jump)
Notable: The eyes of Denton County will be on this phenom. It’s not often you see an athlete qualify in three events. This is considered a rarity. Morris has performed beautifully throughout the season. She won the 4A area meet in all three events. But let’s give Heckler her flowers. She may be scratching the surface to what she can do in future years.
Malakoff: Miley Dowell (100H, Long Jump)
Notable: Dowell is the 3A version of Morris. Dowell finished second in her state qualifying events at the Region II meet. Should be interesting to see how she measures up against the best in the state.