Twin siblings Skylar, left, and Clint Maurer will both compete at the UIL Class 2A state track and field championships at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin on Friday. [Kale Steed/ Press Pass Sports]
Panhandle will take a combined 15 athletes between its boys and girls teams to compete at the University Interscholastic League Class 2A state track and field championships at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin on Friday.
It’s also a very unique opportunity for Panhandle seniors and twin siblings, Clint and Skylar Maurer.
The dynamic duo are getting a chance to showcase their skills at state for the first time as a pair.
Skylar, making her second appearance at the state meet, is leading off all three relays for a stacked Ettes squad, while competing in the pole vault.
Clint is making his first ever appearance on the grand stage of Mike A. Myers Stadium, where he’ll also leap in the pole vault competition, and run the 800 meter run.
“We’ve been pole vaulting together since fifth grade,” Clint said. “We coach each other, and help one another always improve. To now get to go to state and compete together is great.”
Skylar agreed.
“I think it’s cool to be able to do something together for a really longtime,” Sklar said. “Now we get to go to Austin together. It’s a great opportunity.”
The twins, with Skylar being the oldest by 13 minutes, are not only standout athletes, but they are two of the top of their class when it comes in academics.
Skyler is slated to be the school’s valedictorian at upcoming graduation, and Clint salutatorian.
Clint made a 34 on his ACT, and will attend Texas A&M University, to study aerospace engineering. Skylar made a 31 on her ACT and plans on attending West Point, majoring in the medical field.
“Academics were always the top priority in our house,” Skylar said. “We’ve always focused on that, and it’s very important to us.”
In most households sibling rivalry can happen to unfold, but not at the Maurer house. These two are each others best friend and biggest supporters.
Their father, Corby, Panhandle’s defensive coordinator on the football team, and head track coach, says his twins are nearly inseparable.
“It’s been a really neat deal,” Corby said. “They have a quirky kind of relationship. They have their fair share of arguments, but they miss each other if the other one is gone for couple days. They know each other inside and out. Sometimes they coach each other. I’ve heard them tell each other that this is bad or you have to do this better. It’s been fun having them around. I’m going to miss them. I wish it wasn’t going to end soon.”
Pole vaulting is one of many ways the two bond. While they always try and make each other better, neither is afraid to be the others biggest critic.
“My brother will tell me when I’m doing something wrong,” Skylar said. “Then we watch video and he’s there to help me correct it.”
Clint echoed Skyar’s comment.
“We watch a lot of video together,” Clint said. “She tells me when I make a mistake, but also the things I do right. I’m lucky to have her.”
For the two to finally get to travel down to state together on top of their dad coaching them makes this a full family affair, and something they can enjoy for a lifetime of memories.
“I hope she leaves with four medals, and I leave with two,” Clint said. “Having our dad there to coach us while we’re both at state is going to mean a lot. He’s a huge supporter and always pushes us to get better every meet.
“I love having our dad cheer us on, and knowing he is part of our team.”