San Antonio News and Notes - Area Meet Edition

The Best Thing I Saw

Is it just me or are the Randolph girls the team to beat once again in 3A? Last year, they graduated two of the greatest high school athletes to come through San Antonio (Taylor Nunez and Sophia Bendet) as well as another who was an individual State Champion (Audrey Milam) and they do not seem to have lost a beat. At the District 27-28 3A Area Meet, they won nine of 17 events and scored 178 points. All three of their relays were champions and they have a pair of stars in Skye Thompson and Imani Spencer. The Ro-Hawks could win their fifth straight State title if things break right for them in a few weeks.

Area 29/30-6A Boys

Team Results: Clemens (108), Buda Johnson (94), Laredo Alexander (90)

Quick Takeaways: For the second week in a row, Judson lost a top-rated relay due to a dropped baton, however they had two athletes advance in the 100m, 200m and 400m and their 4x400m won in 3:19.56. In order to advance in the 400m it took something better than 48.00 and it was Maverick James (Steele) winning in 47.35. Clemens took the team title behind 30 points from Sean Gonzalez who won the 800m, 1600m and 3200m while his teammate, Aric Pinguelo, advanced in the 800m and 3200m and missed the 1600m by about half a second. Steele's Liam Jones was a double qualifier in both hurdle events. Gabriel Fuller (Clemens), Justin McKinney (Steele) and Christian Dupree (Clemens) all cleared 6-8 in the high jump. East Central's Jordan Pinones was the only thrower to advance in both events.

Area 29/30-6A Girls

Team Results: Steele (121), Judson (98), Laredo United (94)

Quick Takeaways: Jenesis Cordero (Judson) took gold in both the 200m (25.50) and 400m (56.09) where she went head-to-head with Trinity Pinto (Medina Valley) in what could be a preview of the Regional final. Canyon's distance crew was outstanding with two athletes moving on in the 800m, 1600m and 3200m. Ella Rodriguez (Medina Valley) and Peyton Jarzombek (Steele) each advanced in the 1600m and 3200m. Steele will have five entrants in the two hurdle races at Regionals after a great performance. Steele's sprint relays look strong and Medina Valley's 4x400m should be a contender at Regionals. Nellie Mauritz-Barboza (San Marcos) cleared 11-6 to take the pole vault.

Area 27/28-6A Boys

Team Results: Johnson (134), Brennan (99), Reagan (70)

Quick Takeaways: It looks like Johnson's Rayshun Hurt will be the man to beat in the 100m at Regionals after winning in 10.54. Another excellent running back, Harlan's G'Ivori Graham, also advanced in the 100m. Clark's Tristan Childs won the 200m in a close race over Xavion Chambers (Roosevelt). Benjamin Tealer (Brandeis) won the 400m and was second in the 800m to Samuel Ackerman (Reagan) who has excelled as a half-mile specialist this year. The distance events saw some top runners fail to advance with the competition getting better and better. Logan Martinez (Reagan) and Paul Wallace (Sotomayor) both moved on in the 1600m and 3200m. Caiden Rodriguez (Brandeis) and Austin Anderson (Johnson) gave us a preview of the 300mh final at the Regional meet as they ran 38.09 and 38.16, respectively. Brennan and Johnson each had all three relays advance and they went 1-2 in each event. Quentin Jones (Brennan) was second in the triple jump (47-5) and won the pole vault (14-6). Kaleb Ned (Stevens) and Kyle Fromel (Clark) each advanced in both throwing events.

Area 27/28-6A Girls

Team Results: Reagan (127), Brandeis (107), Sotomayor (91)

Quick Takeaways: Another meet, another victory for Reagan. Surprisingly, they only won two events, the 4x100m relay in 46.64 and Shobhana Spielmann with her clearance of 12-0 in the pole vault. Brandeis was led by their sprinters Leila Smith-Harris and Faith Ponds who each qualified in two sprint events. Impressing in the distance races was the Churchill duo of Kallie Van Prooyen and Mia Kellogg. Van Prooyen won the 1600m in 4:59.88 and the 3200m in 10:59.85 while Kellogg was second in the 1600m and third in the 3200m. Warren's Jayda Rodriguez won the 300mh in 44.60, but Reagan took the next three spots thanks to Gabriella McHugh, Morgan Schlueter and Ella Meares who all finished within a second of Rodriguez. McHugh also qualified in the long jump and triple jump. Sotomayor was strong in the jumps led by Kaelony King who was also on their winning 4x200m relay team. Arrian Spratt (Marshall) and Jera Salters (Johnson) were impressive in the discus while Cyani Ingram (Madison) and Esmae Shaeffer (Reagan) each threw over 39-feet in the shot put.

Area 25/26-5A Boys

Results: Liberty Hill (141), Smithson Valley (77), Pieper (66)

Quick Takeaways: Jack Hollimon (Alamo Heights) and Kingston Brown (New Braunfels) were each individual double winners. Hollimon won the 110mh (14.19) and 300mh (38.35) while Brown took the 100m (10.40) and 200m (21.92). Wagner's Channon Davis looked in prime condition winning the 800m in 1:53.28. Smithson Valley's Gavin Williams (47.48) and Noah Johnson (47.59) swept the 400m with both breaking the school record. Johnson was particularly impressive given that he was battling with the flu last week. The four qualifiers in the 1600m all finished between 4:31.08 and 4:31.33. Boerne Champion freshman Ryder Flugence won the triple jump with a leap of 48-4.5. Tivy's Jackson Kerth shined brightly winning the shot put with a huge throw of 64-2 and he took second in the discus throwing 176-10.

Area 25/26-5A Girls

Results: Smithson Valley (88), Leander Rouse (68), Pieper (68)

Quick Takeaways: I could probably get away with just saying that Smithson Valley's Lilly Koenig is a stud. She won the 3200m (10:57.79), the 800m (2:14.77) and the 1600m (5:08.62) against super high level competition. Sofia Mitschke (Smithson Valley) and Paige Beeghley (New Braunfels) continue to be the two best pole vaulters around. Pieper freshman Skylar Carter went 40-2 in the triple jump. Carter's teammate Shyla Boydstun won the 100mh (14.38) and was second in the 300mh (44.92). Boerne's freshmen, Presley Merkens and Sutton Amerman, each advanced in the 400m and 800m. Alzara Mysliwiec (Alamo Heights), Juliana Syroney (Boerne Champion) and LeRay Rector (Wagner) each easily broke 12s in the 100m. Isabella Pettet (Boerne) flew far in the long jump winning with a mark of 18-9.

Area 27/28-5A Boys

Results: Seguin (170), MacArthur (113), Southwest (52)

Quick Takeaways: Seguin's sprinters Elliot Weaver and Daniel Pinon both advanced in two running events, while MacArthur's Theo Abraham won both the 200m (22.07) and 400 (48.42). Adrian Rangel (Seguin), Reyes Arteaga (Brackenridge) and Jayden Alfaro (Southwest) went 1-2-3 in the 1600m and 3200m. Sam Houston's Tacori Dotson was a double winner taking the high jump (6-5) and long jump (21-7.75).

Area 27/28-5A Girls

Results: Southwest (119), Seguin (105), MacArthur (68)

Quick Takeaways: Jay's Duprasia Beets made her case as the best 200m and 400m runner in the entire Region. She claimed the 200m in 24.78 and the 400m in 55.04. Seguin freshman Paige Leyendecker finished third in the 400m (59.07) and won both the long jump and triple jump. Emarald Aguirre (Southside) and Elizabeth Krist (Fox Tech) went 1-2 in the 800m, 1600m and 3200m. Danieliz Villafane of Southwest uncorked a huge throw to win the discus, 137-0.

Area 25/26-4A Boys

Results: Lago Vista (150), Davenport (96), Wimberley (82)

Quick Takeaways: It seems like Wimberley always has at least one outstanding relay team and this year it is their 4x200m team that won in 1:27.82. Caleb Bliss and Jake Vidrio of Davenport and Juanez Trevino of Long Creek each advanced in the 1600m and 3200m. Tate Broaddus (Davenport) won the discus with a toss of 155-0. Dane Mignerey (Wimberley) and Kyle Stautzenberger (Davenport) each were easily over 14-feet in the pole vault. Fredericksburg's high hurdle duo of John Moore (14.98) and Luke Fuchs (15.06) went 1-2 in the event. Davenport showed off a strong 4x400m running 3:20.58 to finish in second. Bandera's Breydan Gherman ran well enough to advance in the 100m and 200m.

Area 25/26-4A Girls

Results: Wimberley (114), Canyon Lake (114), Fredericksburg (88)

Quick Takeaways: Corina Joyce (Wimberley) and Eva Zabarcencu (Canyon Lake) continue to go head-to-head in the 1600m and 3200m with Joyce showing herself to be a potential State meet level runner. Ella Patek and Trinity Laney each advanced in the long jump and triple jump for Wimberley. Canyon Lake really showed their strength in winning the 4x100m (47.93) and 4x200m (1:41.17). They also have two outstanding hurdlers in Shana Cutrer who won the 100mh (14.99) and Aubrey Avey who won the 300mh (45.50). It would be a surprise if Bandera (3:55.39), Wimberley (3:56.72) or both 4x400m teams do not represent Region IV at the State meet. Bandera's Milesia Casas won both the 400m and 800m and could potentially be a Region champ in both events.

Area 27/28-4A Boys

Results: Devine (129), Floresville (107), Gonzales (84)

Quick Takeaways: Devine took the team title behind strong performances from Rowdy Esparza and Mikey Rodriguez. Esparza won the long jump (22-0.5) and 400m (51.17) and was third in the triple jump. Rodriguez took both the 110mh (15.75) and the 300mh (39.78). Kaden Cypert swept all three distance events for Floresville and clocked a 9:39.46 in the 3200m. Preston Pierson (Pleasanton) and Bryce Parker (La Vernia) each cleared 14-0 in the pole vault. Devine's 4x400m relay team of Zach Guerra, Jonathan Cantu, Ryan Weinkam and Esparza closed out the meet with a winning time of 3:23.94.

Area 27/28-4A Girls

Results: La Vernia (94), Devine (92), Pleasanton (91)

Quick Takeaways: La Vernia won the meet despite not winning any events, but Isabella Davis led them with a pair of runner-up performances in the long jump (17-8.5) and 100m (12.67). There were a few superstar performances at the meet. Devine's Kylie Monreal took four individual titles taking the high jump (5-1), long jump (17-9), 100mh (15.51) and 300mh (47.93). Emersen Cochran of Navarro swept through the sprint events winning the 100m in 12.58, the 200m 26.15 and the 400m in 56.21. Cochran's teammate, Lilia Flo, took gold in the 3200m (11:35.34) and 1600m (5:18.58).

Area 25/26-3A Boys

Results: Goliad (154), Edna (97), Yoakum (79)

Quick Takeaways: Stockdale's Cooper Warrick was one of the few local bright spots winning both the 3200m (9:51.92) and 1600m (4:40.62). Poth's Ryan Antuna took gold with a throw of 140-0 in the discus.

Area 27/28-3A Boys

Results: Randolph (140), Lytle (102), Marion (100)

Quick Takeaways: It was a loaded Area meet that should see a bunch of State qualifiers. Randolph showed well in winning the 4x100m in 41.64 and the 4x200m in 1:27.82. Kevin Harris won both the long jump and 100m for the Ro-Hawks while finishing second to teammate Tristan Levister in the 200m. Cole's Caden Kitson won the 800m in 1:55.11 and the 1600m in 4:23.96 against some extremely tough competition. Sebastian Garcia (Lytle) and Jayce Love (Marion) both broke 2-minutes in the 800m and Jacob Cantu (Lytle) was less than two seconds behind Kitson in the 1600m. Both Nasir Tapia of Cole and Jewell Hicks of Lytle threatened to break 49s in the 400m. The 4x400m relay was a blood bath with Lytle winning in 3:23.62, Randolph was second in 3:23.85 and Marion was third in 3:24.21.

Area 27/28 3A Girls

Results: Randolph (178), Cole (95), Marion (77)

Quick Takeaways: Randolph swept all three relays en route to their victory. Their 4x200m team posted a time of 1:41.11 to win by over eight seconds and the 4x400m team closed it out in 3:56.29. Skye Thompson won the triple jump and 400m in classy fashion while Ciara Hyde took the 100m and Imani Spencer blazed to a win in the 200m in 24.89. Caroline Finley also took gold in the 3200m (11:52.68) and 1600 (5:31.85). In each case, Juliet Alcott (Great Hearts Northern Oaks) finished a close second place. Cole's Klarrisa Frain won both hurdle events and was second in the long jump. Tyla Blackstock of Great Hearts swept the two throwing events, including a heave of 38-6.25 in the shot put. Katherine Zinnante (Cole) finished third in the 1600m and also won the high jump with a 5-4 clearance. Marion's Kaitlyn Rackley continued to excel clearing 12-0 in the pole vault.

School Records

In this section, I want to highlight the new school records that were set during the week. I need coaches to please let me know when you have a new record set. Either email me at shanemeling@gmail.com or message at me @ShaneMeling on X (Twitter).

Smithson Valley Boys, 4x100m, 41.22 (Schaeden Davis, Hunter Haug, Noah Johnson, Liam Magee)

Smithson Valley Boys, 4x200m, 1:26.08 (Schaeden Davis, Isaiah Regge, Hunter Haug, Liam Magee)

Gavin Williams, Smithson Valley, 400m, 47.48

Alzara Mysliwiec, Alamo Heights, 100m, 11.70

Jack Hollimon, Alamo Heights, 110mh, 14.19

Pieper Girls, 4x400m, 3:59.71 (Nela Marcina, Skylar Carter, Brittan Nichols, Ella Hill)

Providence Girls, 4x100m, 50.95 (Olivia Martini, Selene Cedillo, Mia Denizard, Drew Ovalles)

Providence Girls, 4x400m, 4:18.07 (Helene Hargesheimer, Talia Raba, Drew Ovalles, Olivia Martini)

Marion Boys, 4x400m, 3:24.41

Davenport Boys, 4x400m, 3:20.58 (Terrence Coffman, Parker Clausen, Josh Johnson, Caden Scott)

Jayce Love, Marion, 800m, 1:58.79

Bandera Girls, 4x400m, 3:55.39 (Merry Robinson, Milesia Casas, Sydney Moore, Cassi Williams)

Brennan Boys, 4x400m, 3:18.48 (Wolfgang Thoener, Michael Davis, Jaylin Kelly, Jayden Greene)

Arrian Spratt, Marshall, discus, 132-1

Around the City

The Falls City girls won the Area 29/30-2A title with 145 points while their boys finished in third place. Kenley Wiatrek took gold in the 200m by a mere 0.01s and Haley Gordon easily swept both hurdle events. They won both the 4x200m (1:44.26) and 4x400m (4:10.12) relays and were second in the 4x100m relay. Keandra Johnson won the long jump and was second in the triple jump and Leah Sekula won the discus (124-7) and shot put (38-7). For their boys team, Braylon Johnson was the 100m in 10.83 and was second in the 400m (51.90). In the 3200m, Gabe Liska (Falls City) and Jarred Dunn (Stacey) each advanced. Tyler Pawelek was a double qualifier in the hurdles for Falls City.

The San Antonio Christian boys won the TAPPS 3-5A District meet by a mere 5.5 points. They were led by their distance runners Adrian Rule, Nathan Womack and Christian Tarver. Rule won the 800m in 1:56.86 and the trio swept the 1600m with Womack winning. Joshua Hoover led Saint Mary's Hall with victories in the long jump (21-8.5), 100m and 200m while his teammate Osler White nearly matched him with a second place in the long jump (21-8) and wins in both hurdle events.

The TAPPS 3-5A District girls meet finished with San Antonio Christian finishing second just two points in front of Providence. D'Vani Hernandez led San Antonio Christian with impressive wins in the 800m (2:19.40) and 1600m (5:18.20). Her teammate, Emma Settles, claimed the top prize in the 100m and 200m while Maggie Adkinson won the shot put with a throw of 35-4. Providence was led by their relay teams. The 4x100m squad of Olivia Martini, Selene Cedillo, Mia Denizard and Drew Ovalles nipped SACS at the line with a time of 50.95. Eve Cavazos (Saint Mary's Hall) was a double winner in the high jump (5-2) and long jump (16-7).

Holy Cross won the TAPPS Division 3-4A District boys meet in New Braunfels with 178 points. They won both the 4x100m relay (43.44) and the 4x400m relay (3:26.30). Jackson Vann-Morgan won the 110mh in 15.27 and the 300mh in 40.22 for Holy Cross. Julian Salas was another double winner for Holy Cross in the 400m (50.72) and 200m (22.48). Geneva's Brady Chandler won three individual titles in the 100m (11.34), long jump (21-0) and pole vault (14-6). Rye Roberts (New Braunfels Christian) took gold in the triple jump with a leap of 43-7.5 and was second in the long jump.

New Braunfels Christian Academy won the TAPPS Division 3-4A District girls meet. They swept all three relays culminating in a 4:15.70 to win the 4x400m. Olive Bredesen won the 800m in 2:22.30 and was runner-up in the 1600m for NBCA. Maren Joseph (300mh) and Amira El-Kadi (long jump) each won an event for the victors. Rylee Higginbotham (John Paul II) was on a different level in winning the 100m in 11.98 and the 200m in 24.666. Savannah Parker of the Christian School at Castle Hills won the 3200m and 1600m while finishing as the runner-up in the 800m. Ariel Bosmans was a double-winner for Holy Cross and had a nice throw of 117-6 in the discus.

Antonian swept both the boys and girls titles at the TAPPS District 3-6A Championships on their own campus. Their girls team was led by Kaliya Jones who finished third in the long jump (17-0.75), second in the 100mh (15.02) and second in the 300mh (46.54). Chloe Nellis finished in the top three in four events for Incarnate Word including a win in the 300mh (45.92). The TMI trio of Kaidyn Holmes-Oliver, Daniela Shelfo and Jayla Flemons combined for six individual top three performances. Holmes-Oliver was on the winning 4x100m and 4x400m relay teams and won the long jump (18-6.75) while Shelfo was on the 4x400m team and Flemons was on the 4x100m team. TMI also won the 4x200m relay.

The results in the boys meet were skewed towards the distance races with an outstanding 3200m to start the meet featuring five runners under 9:50. Wells Peterson (TMI) won the race in 9:36.13 while John Boland (Antonian) was second in 9:42.51. Boland was also second to teammate Channing Shaeffer in the 800m as both ran 1:59. Boland did win the 1600m in 4:27.71 as he narrowly defeated Peterson who crossed the line in 4:27.75. Antonian won the 4x200m and 4x400m to give themselves breathing room. Hayden Hoskins (TMI) won each hurdle event posting times of 14.90 in the 110mh and 39.67 in the 300mh.

Senior Signings

I would like to keep a running tally of all the track and field and cross country signings so please contact me if you notice someone is missing.

Kendall Fallon, Davenport, Tulsa

Tate Taylor, Harlan, Texas Tech

Mia Villanueva, Canyon, Texas Lutheran

Lauren Pardo, Canyon, Henderson State

Sadie Larson, Pieper, Tarleton State

Frances Scotello, Lytle, UNLV

Lilly Koenig, Smithson Valley, Texas Tech

Jaelyn Moore, Cornerstone, Dallas Baptist

Juliet Osuna, Cornerstone, Carson-Newman

Elizabeth Leachman, Boerne Champion, Stanford

Maverick James, Steele, UIW

Aaron Garcia, Boerne, Lamar

Sadrac Castillo, Jefferson, Our Lady of the Lake

Klayre Cook, Lytle, Texas Lutheran

Anastacia Garza, Judson, UTSA

Ava Arellano, Wimberley, Texas Lutheran

Amariah Young, Medina Valley, Texas Lutheran

Payton DeFelippis, Medina Valley, Texas A&M-Texarkana

Theone Glosser, Reagan, Trinity

Nela Marcina, Pieper, Salisbury

Kahdyn Freeman, Pieper, Navy

Xylina Xac, Health Careers, Texas A&M-Kingsville

Tanner Davis, Devine, Texas A&M-Kingsville

Adisen Magill, Stockdale, Texas A&M-Kingsville

Keandra Johnson, Falls City, Texas A&M-Kingsville

Lilia Flo, Navarro, CSU-Pueblo

Leila Ramirez, Marshall, Texas Lutheran

Kira Albino, Johnson, UTSA

Jera Salters, Johnson, Texas A&M-San Antonio

Next Week

We have a respite this weekend, but mark your calendars for May 1-2 for all the UIL Region meets. UIL 1A and 3A will be in Seguin while 2A and 4A will be at Texas A&M-Kingsville and 5A and 6A will be at Heroes Stadium.