Last year, Ryan Schoppe (La Porte), Carter Storm (Kingwood), and Cole Lindhorst (Katy Tompkins) all qualified for the 2018 UIL state meet in the 1600m.
This year, they would have to fight for the chance to do so again at the Region 3-6A Meet. Only two athletes were guaranteed a berth to the UIL 6A state meet and all three runners knew what was at stake and they felt the pressure and they all were able to come through.
For the second consecutive season, the three were able to help produce the ninth qualifier to the state meet by running the fastest regional race.
Producing the fastest regional race often times boils down to an exciting finish and this one definitely did. Schoppe set the pace for most of the race, but with 300m remaining, Lindhorst felt it was his time to take over. He rushed to the front and pushed the pace up to the home stretch.
Storm would then make his move and go for the victory. The two bought some daylight on Schoppe as they pushed to the finish line. However, Schoppe had one final push left and he gave all he had and was able to out lean his way to a .01 margin for the victory.
By the narrowest of margins between the three, they head to next week's finals with the fastest regional times Schoppe (4:13.03), Storm (4:13.04), and Lindhorst (4:13.24).
Next weekend, the three elite milers will get a shot at one another again along with six other top Texas four lappers in the state. Watch LIVE and archived races to see the action and find out if their next race will be as fast and exciting.