Skylar Brazzell anchors the Northwest Nelson 4x100 relay at the 2024 UIL 6A state meet
Region 1-6A Girls Qualifiers
The University of Texas at Arlington is the place to be if you want to see some of the Dallas-Fort Worth area's best athletes battle it out for a shot at UIL 6A state track glory. This weekend's regional meet is stacked with talent, and we're breaking down a few must-watch events that are sure to bring the heat.
Sprints
One of the headlining showdowns features Bailey Johnson (Arlington Bowie) and Caitlyn Cavitt (Arlington Martin), who are set to clash once again for A-Town bragging rights. Both speedsters made it to the state meet last year, and they're back with something to prove. Johnson and Cavitt went 1-2 in the 100m and 200m at the UIL 6A - Area 07 & 08 meet, setting the stage for a thrilling rematch. These two races are absolutely can't-miss.
In the 200m, they'll face even more stiff competition, including Skylar Brazzell (Northwest Nelson), who just dropped a blistering 53.49 in the 400m, and Evah Elleby (Mansfield Lake Ridge), another powerful contender. With so much speed on the track, the 200m finals are shaping up to be one of the most explosive events of the weekend.
Distances
With all-due-respect to every girl in the state, one of the best will be missing at the Region and State meet with the absence of Adeline Bennett (Flower Mound) who didn't compete at at her Area meet. In the girls' 800 Meter Run, the competition is tight, and the times are even tighter.
Mansfield freshman Jordyn Brown leads the field with an impressive 2:12.27, securing first place at the UIL 6A - Area 03 & 04 meet on April 10. Brown has been turning heads all season, and her blend of speed and endurance makes her a favorite heading into the regional showdown.
Prosper senior Nora Ryan isn't far behind, clocking in at 2:13.34 to win the Area 05 & 06 meet. Expect her to push the pace and challenge for the top spot. Right on their heels are two more underclassmen-Ariel Simpson (Euless Trinity) and Taryn Elmer (Lewisville Marcus -both finishing within a second of each other with 2:14.13 and 2:14.85, respectively. Elmer could be a wild-card to watch as she exhibited her cross country exploits in the fall, but her 56.80 400 meter capabilities might make her the most versatile of the group.
Also in the mix are Reyna Heisserer (Northwest Nelson), Isabella Baeza (Lewisville Marcus), Layla Driscoll (Flower Mound), and London Harden (Crowley), all coming off strong Area performances. With the top eight all finishing under 2:16, this race is wide open and could come down to the final lean at the line.
Distance fans, get ready-because the girls' 1600m and 3200m are shaping up to be some of the most exciting races of the weekend at the UIL 6A Regional meet.
In the 1600 Meter Run, all eyes will be on Denton Braswell's Macy Wingard, who enters at the top of the competition with a blazing 4:48.84 to win the Area 05 & 06 title. Right behind her-by just 0.11 seconds-was Maya Easterwood Coppell, a rising star in the Class of 2027. Alexandra Fox (Flower Mound) wasn't far off either, crossing in 4:52.15, making it a strong showing from Area 05 & 06. From the other side of the bracket, Keller Timber Creek's Megan Calhoun leads the charge for Area 03 & 04 with her 5:03.71 victory. If the times hold, the 1600m final is going to be a tactical and thrilling four-lap battle.
Over in the 3200 Meter Run, it's once again Wingard and Easterwood setting the tone. Wingard doubled down with another dominant performance, winning in 10:27.10, while Easterwood followed closely at 10:36.07. Megan Calhoun proved she's ready to compete at the highest level in both events, finishing third overall with a time of 10:52.08. She'll be joined by Carroll's Elizabeth Smits, Mansfield Lake Ridge's Meagan Meyers, Flower Mound's Ava Cole, and Keller's Clare Boneau-all finishing under 11:02. With so many runners tightly packed in the standings, the 3200m could easily turn into a tactical race that comes down to who's got the strongest kick in the final lap.
Keep in mind, there are highly capable runners who are already decorated amongst the best in Texas coming all of the way from El Paso. Adelynn Rodriguez (El Paso Eastwood) and Emily Orr (El Paso Franklin) have both topped most of the DFW area girls in the past both on the track and grass and shouldn't be overlooked. Rodriguez earned two medals from last year's UIL 6A state track meet.
Whether you're cheering from the bleachers or following the splits from home, these distance races are must-watch events this weekend.
Hurdles
The girls' 100-Meter Hurdles is going to be a high-speed chess match over ten barriers, and the top contenders are bringing serious heat. Leading the field is Alivia Rivera-Norman (Odessa Permian), whose 14.03 finish at the UIL 6A - Area 01 & 02 meet puts her in the top spot heading into regionals. She's the one to beat, but the rest of the field is stacked with young, hungry talent.
Sydney Smith (Allen), just a freshman, made a big statement by running 14.20 to win Area 05 & 06. Right behind her is Meredith McSween (Wolfforth Frenship) at 14.52, followed closely by Denton Braswell's Kayotric Taplin with a 14.66. This crew is fast, fearless, and ready to shake things up.
Also watch out for Bailey Johnson (Coppell) and Brooke Boyd (Arlington)-both from the Class of 2028-who've proven that age is just a number with their impressive sub-14.80 performances. Keller Timber Creek's Kiyana Hooks and Hannah Reed (Plano East) round out the top eight, each within striking distance of the leaders.
With so many runners separated by mere hundredths of a second, this race could come down to the cleanest form, the quickest start, and the hardest lean at the line. Blink and you'll miss it.
If you're looking for a tight race with serious drama, the girls' 300 Meter Hurdles is absolutely it. The top three finishers from Area 05 & 06 are separated by just 0.05 seconds, making this event one of the most hotly contested of the weekend.
Plano Senior freshman Morgan Olschewsky leads the way with a lightning-fast 42.85, showing poise and power well beyond her years. Right on her heels is Mary Anne Schattner (Plano West) - 42.87, followed by senior Aaniyah Conley (Allen) at 42.90. With that kind of photo-finish potential, the regional final could come down to the very last hurdle.
From the west, again, look out for Permian's Alivia Rivera-Norman to prove that she is not just a 100m hurdles threat-clocking in at 43.45 to win the Area 01 & 02 title. Keep an eye on Eliora-Lynn Ndri (Northwest) and Jada Betts (Northwest) from Area 03 & 04, both posting competitive times and hungry to shake up the rankings. Rounding out the top competitors is Blair Haverkamp (Flower Mound), who snagged a 44.52 and fourth at Area 05 & 06 to qualify to Arlington.
With these athletes so close in time, this race promises to be a battle of endurance, rhythm, and who can finish strongest after hurdle eight. Expect fireworks.
Relays
When it comes to the relays, the UIL 6A Regional Championships are going to be a flat-out burner. These teams are stacked with speed, and every handoff could be the difference between a trip to state and heartbreak.
4x100 Meter Relay
The Mansfield Lake Ridge squad owns the fastest time in the state right now with a blistering 45.39, flying to victory at the Area 03 & 04 meet. But Allen isn't far behind-just a tenth off with their 45.49 finish at Area 05 & 06. These two powerhouses could easily go sub-45 if the baton moves clean. Arlington Martin is right in the mix too, clocking a 46.27 to dominate Area 07 & 08. Expect this race to be over in a blink, and likely decided in the exchange zones.
4x200 Meter Relay
In the 4x2, Allen once again tops the charts, lighting up the track with a 1:36.17-the fastest time in Texas so far. Arlington Martin (1:38.57), Justin Northwest (1:38.70), and Prosper (1:38.71) are all locked in a virtual tie, separated by only 0.14 seconds. This race could be a photo finish across all lanes, and any stumble-or breakout leg-could shake up the whole order.
4x400 Meter Relay
The nightcap is going to be fireworks. Northwest Nelson holds the top time with a smooth and powerful 3:44.64, but Prosper (3:45.18) and Prosper Rock Hill (3:47.28) are breathing down their necks. Plano Senior rounds out the top four with a 3:48.45 and looks ready to make a move. With elite anchor legs and gutsy third splits, this one could come down to the final stride.
Throws
If you're a fan of pure strength and technical precision, the Shot Put and Discus events are going to deliver some serious firepower.
In the Shot Put, Ainsley Bramer (Coppell) leads the charge with a monster throw of 44-6.75 at Area 05 & 06. She's shown consistent form all season and is peaking at the right time. Madison Gonzales (Midland Legacy) isn't far behind-she launched 43-1 to win Area 01 & 02 and has the ability to close the gap if she hits a clean one. These two have been steadily climbing the rankings and look locked in for a head-to-head showdown.
Over in the Discus, Olivia Chamizo (Denton Guyer) put everyone on notice with a massive 163-7-one of the top marks in the state this year. She'll be the one to chase, but Chloe Barber (Lewisville Hebron) showed she's ready to contend with her 150-3 toss, good enough for second at Area 05 & 06. If either athlete finds her rhythm early, we could see a new personal best-or even a meet record.
Jumps
The Long Jump competition is stacked with top-tier talent, and a jump representative from last year's state meet Caitlyn Cavitt (Arlington Martin) is coming in hot after a jaw-dropping 20-4 leap to win Area 07 & 08. That mark not only leads the field-it turns heads statewide. But don't count out Aniyah Harrison-Stewart (Keller Fossil Ridge), who went 19-11.5 and brings serious consistency to the runway. Right behind them are Levariya Pinder (Northwest) and LaShonda Reeves (Keller Timber Creek), both soaring over 19 feet, making this one of the most competitive events of the weekend.
In the Triple Jump, Harrison-Stewart is once again the name to watch. Her 39-4.5 mark leads the field and proves she's a serious threat in multiple events. But Maya Richards (Mansfield Legacy) is right there with a 39-2.5, and Karis Nartey (Allen) isn't far behind at 38-8.5. With three athletes over 38 feet, this is going to come down to who nails their phases and hits the board clean.
Both events are shaping up to be must-watch moments-where power, precision, and pure hops collide. The runway will be buzzing, and the pits might just see some record-setting landings.
Vertical Jumps
Who's Ready to Rise?
The vertical events are shaping up to be full of drama.
In the High Jump, Zahria Feist (Keller Timber Creek) cleared 5-8 at Area 03 & 04, putting her in prime position as the one to beat. Right behind her is Bliss Dane (Wolfforth Frenship), who soared over 5-5 to take the Area 01 & 02 crown. Both athletes are peaking at the right time, and a clean sheet could be the key to victory.
Over at the Pole Vault, it's a traffic jam at 11 feet, with five vaulters clearing that bar at their respective area meets. But Leeah Boyd (Lewisville Hebron) stands out after going 12-0, making her the top contender heading into the state-qualifying showdown. Look for a tight battle among Sadie Barberee (Mansfield), Kyla Kane (Carroll), Kate Pemberton and Zuri Harrison (both from Prosper), and Mia Schuller (Coppell), all of whom are within striking distance if Boyd stumbles. Don't blink-this one could come down to attempts.