The Eagles and Lady Eagles track teams had a successful trip to Austin, TX as they competed in the UIL Class 5A Track State Championships at Mike A. Myers Stedium on the campus of the University of Texas. The Lady Eagles dominated, medaling in numerous events, leading them to a runner up finish in the team standings. The Eagles were also able to produce success in many events, while medaling in one event.

Faith Ette, junior, won the shot put competition and became a State Champion after placing 2nd last year.

Ariel Ford, junior, placed 2nd in the open 400m run, improving her place of 3rd last year.

Jasmine Moore, sophomore, is a repeating State Champion in the long jump and triple jump.

Kelly Rowe, junior, placed 2nd in the 100m run.

Valencia Bullock, senior, placed 2nd in the triple jump.

The girls 4 x 100m relay placed 2nd; setting a new school record. As the final event of meet, the Lady Eagles placed 4th in the 4 x 400m relay.

Valencia Bullock, senior, is honored and blessed with the results of this season and especially how it came all together at the state competition.

“Placing second at State for triple jump and jumping a personal record of over 40 feet was one of the best and memorable feelings yet of my high school career. It took a lot of hard work throughout the season to finally achieve the goal I wanted to reach and also the support from my coaches and teammates,” said Bullock.

Kelly Rowe, junior, was thrilled with the success from this season.

“It was great getting second at State this year for the 100m because I came along way. Last year I was running 12 seconds for my event and now I’m running high 11’s. It’s a great feeling. All the hard work in summer track, and the work I put in at school has really payed off not only for me, but for my team also dropping are time in the 4 x 100m relay. Next year at State I hope to get first place,” said Rowe.

Jasmine Moore, sophomore, is grateful for another successful track season, as well as defending her STate titles.

“State this year was very successful for me. I was able to defend my titles in both the long jump and triple jump and I was able to contribute to our 4 x 100m relay which placed 2nd and not to mention our team placed 2nd overall. I’m so excited for what is to come for the Lake Ridge track program,” Moore said.

The Eagles had a great showing at the Texas State meet as well, qualifying the most boys in school history to compete.

Langdon Williams, senior, placed 5th in the long jump.

The mens 4 x 200m relay comprised of David Wilson, Chris Scott, Jeremiah Curry and Jason Bean placed 5th with a new school record.

TJ Graham placed 8th in the high jump.

Zion Smith, junior, placed 3rd in the 800m run.

Zion Smith had an amazing time at the State competition and feels he was very blessed with just having the opportunity to compete with such great athletes.

“State was a fun and a learning experience for me. Next year I will be more wise when it comes to State. I ran my best time of the year; running a 1:54.3. This season I broke the school record again in the 800m. I became the first boy at LRHS to medal in a running event at State. It was a great feeling. I finished off my season strong,” Smith said.