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Panhandle shares the UIL 2A girls state title with Refugio. It was a battle of programs who aren't new to winning UIL track and field championships.
Even though the two teams are accustomed to the stage, this was the usual up-and-down state championships that ramps up one's stress levels.
It was a meet where Refugio had to be near perfect to win . . . and they were that. That enabled them to sit in the pole position the majority of the meet. However Panhandle was able to stay close enough to have the upper hand heading into the 4x400 relay.
It was Coach Corby Mauer driving into Austin with a young squad and for the first time not carrying in a senior laden squad.
The youngsters were young stars for the Panhandle team coming away with school records and gold medals. In some events, it took UIL 2A state meet records to beat this group of tracksters and they were still able to bring home a grasp of the state title.
Mauer spoke with MileSplit following the completion of the state championships.