The 2017 TSU Relays Boys 4x200 Relay
The Texas UIL state meet always provides an exciting couple of days, but could this year produce many record breaking performances? We saw a couple of UIL records fall last year and we have already seen records fall in day one. Let's look at the remaining records that could fall this weekend.
Boys 4x200 Relay
Let's start with the sprints relays, the boys 4x200 record looks like it could be in jeopardy. A few weeks ago, I was almost certain it was going to go down. Things have changed, but there is still a possibility. The UIL state record is currently held by the 2007 Fort Bend Hightower squad. Saying this was a strong year for the boys 4x200 is putting it lightly! There are six teams in the state who have been U.S.#1 at some point of this season. It looked as if Fort Bend Marshall was well on it's way of taking down the record and keeping it in Fort Bend County and FBISD. However, they dropped the stick at the Region 2-5A meet and they are out of the running. Also out of the running is George Ranch, who devoted their strong runners to different events and Lancaster who dropped the stick through qualifying rounds. Also, DeSoto will be missing, as they didn't advance out of Region 1-6A.
However, Manvel ran a 1:24.17 at the Region 3-5A meet, putting them just tenths of a second away from the record. Consider the Manvel Mavericks a real threat! Port Arthur Memorial is also a major threat and I think The Woodlands Highlanders are a sleeper team for you to watch out for as well.
Boys 3200m
The boys 6A 3200m, is another record in jeopardy. We already saw the 1A 3200m record fall and the 6A record is hanging on the line waiting to go down. Last season, REED BROWN set the current record at 8:50.43. Brown has already hit 8:51s in two of his last three races and I can see him bust a big one to lower his record. This is my last opportunity of to call ALEX MAIER "The Super Sophomore", but he is also a threat to break the 3200m record. In the same two races that Brown hit his 8:51s, Maier dropped 8:52s. This is the only race Maier has for the weekend, so look for him to make a statement. With the two of them in the race it is no highly likely to fall. But, just when you thought that was it, don't forget about DANIEL BERNAL. The El Paso Eastwood star ran a fast third place at the Region 1-6A race. His 8:54 has him in range of the record and he could also be one eclipse it.
Boys 1600m
Another likely possibility to see a record fall is the 6A 1600m. Not only is the record in jeopardy, but we could see some guys break 4:00. Long story short, there are three guys who will be putting on a show on Saturday. SAM WORLEY is a stud. If you don't know him, shame on you! He ran 4:00 at the Texas Relays for the 1 mile. He can go lower with the right race. Yes, he will have the 800m before the 1600m, but this is Sam Worley, and he can do anything! He has been doing it week after week hitting 4:05s with no push, so get him in a good race and let's see him go. Again, REED BROWN is in the mix for another record push. He also ran the 1 mile at Texas Relays finishing in 4:03.23. Yes, that is for the full mile, and Yes, he can do anything as well. Look for Brown to end his Texas high school career on a high note. Two state records will be a good way to do that. Don't forget about DANIEL VIEGRA. Yes, Dan "The Man" Viegra will be in the mix. Last week, at the Schrader Mile, Viegra ran against some collegiate and post collegiate runners in the 1 mile and he ran 4:08. Keep an eye on the Pflugerville Hendrickson senior along with Worley and Brown.
Boys Discus
"Mr. 200", aka GABE OLADIPO has made no secret to the fact that he wants the UIL record. He already captured the state record at the 53rd Jesuit-Sheaner Relays earlier in the season with a 215-2. Oladipo has consistently thrown 200s most of the season. I don't know if anyone in the state for any event has been more consistent than he has. To make things even better, two other guys are also in reach of the UIL record. Killeen's BOBBY SMITH flung a 199-10 at the Region 1-6A meet. He is coming in hot and on a wave. Another poster board for consistency over a career is Trip Piperi. ADRIAN PIPERI has a 199-5 on the season and has already won a state title in the event. You definitely do not want to miss the 6A discus competition as it will be off the chain!