If you had to explain the history of Texas high school track and field to someone, there are some names, events, and teams you just could not omit.
When covering the girls version of your history lesson, you would have to include outstanding team champions like some of the epic Lancaster, Houston Westbury, Dallas Skyline, and Alief Elsik squads.
With the accomplishments in the past decade alone, it would be reckless to omit the DeSoto girls in the conversation. In fact, they may be one of the best teams/programs in any Texas high school sport. In the minds of some, the 2019 Lady Eagles squad may have been the best girls high school track and field team ever.
DeSoto has won four 6A team championships. Today, they would attempting to add their fifth and to stop them was going to take a Herculean effort. Coach June Villers' 2020 squad had all of the makings to add another title. They had possible medalist up and down their lineup from the 100m to the 400m, both hurdle events, and possibly the 800m as well. The DeSoto relays had the potential to contribute 60 points.
DeSoto girls celebrate after their 2019 championship
A year after running the fastest two All-Time 4x100 relay times, this year's team wasn't complacent. They graduated their third and fourth legs from the 2019 team, but still their all consuming desire to be the best had them believing they could run even faster.
No matter however unlikely breaking a national record could be, it was possible for this year's DeSoto team to once again re-set the national standard. They showed flashes of their outstanding ability on March 6, 2020 as they ran 45.16 just 0.92 away from their record with over two months remaining in the season.
But, as we all know, DeSoto will not get the chance to compete at the 2020 UIL state track and field meet. Their top notch relays, their TX No. 1 and No. 2 ranked hurdlers, and elite sprinters have all been grounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Watching the DeSoto girls compete at the state meet and witnessing their excellence is something we have grown accustomed to over the past four years. Unfortunately, they will not get the chance to drive for five.