Wheeler’s Hesston Marshall won a gold and silver medal during the UIL Class 2A state track and field championships Friday at Mike A. Myers Stadium. [Ben Jenkins/ Press Pass Sports]
AUSTIN— Wheeler’s Hesston Marshall had been eagerly waiting for his shot to compete on the big stage of Mike A. Myers Stadium.
After falling short at regionals as a freshman and sophomore, then having his season cancelled due to COVID-19, Marshall took full advantage of his opportunity during Friday’s University Interscholastic League Class 2A state track and field championships.
The West Texas A&M football signee known for piling up over 6,000 rushing yards during his illustrious career as a Mustang gridiron standout had a full day compteting in the long jump in the morning session, followed by the 100, 200 and 400 meter runs in the night session.
Marshall placed in the top six of all four events placing Wheeler 11th overall by himself with 23 total points. Undoubtably the highlight came in the 400 meter run. After a fifth place finish in the long jump, and a fourth in the 100 meter dash, Marshall took out his frustration by sprinting to a personal-best 48.84 to capture his first career gold medal.
“It was spectacular,” Marshall said. “This is a much different experience. It’s so loud and electric, I just love it. I’ve been trying to get here my entire career, and I’m glad I got to do it. It’s huge to win this gold, it’s been a dream for me.”
Marshall ended his 12 hour plus day running a very competitive 200 meter event. Coming down the stretch he was he was neck-and-neck with Jared Brackens of Karens. Brackens edged Marshall clocking a 21.79 to Marshall’s 21.87, however, a silver was still pure enjoyment to the Mustang standout.
“It was a great race,” Marshall said. “It came down to the end, but I’m pumped to have this silver medal. I’m so grateful to just be here in Austin and competing. This is incredible.”
For full results of the state meet, please visit
https://www.uiltexas.org/track-field/state/track-field-state-meet-qualifiers-results
NOTES
Panhandle’s Alex Thompson won the gold medal in the 300 meter hurdles Friday night. [Ben Jenkins/ Press Pass Sports]
Panhandle’s Thompson put on a show
The Panhandle girls track team wasn’t the only ones making headlines. Panthers senior Alex Thompson displayed his skills in fine fashion during both the 300 and 110 hurdle events. Running for the first time at state, Thompson didn’t show any nerves blazing a personal-best
38.87 to hold off Cooper Ewing of Valley-Mills and win his first gold medal.
“What a truly great feeling,” Thompson said. “I can’t believe it. Just to be here, and getting this shot is an unbelievable experience. I was pushed really hard, but this was my last race and I was going all out.”
Thompson just missed out on a second gold medal getting a silver in the 110 hurdles with a time of 14.78.
Amarillo High’s Trey Thomas celebrates after earning bronze in the 300 meter hurdles. [Ben Jenkins/ Press Pass Sports]
Amarillo High impresses at state
The Amarillo High Sandies made the school proud coming home with a sixth place team finish racking up 24 points and three bronze medals during the UIL Class 5A state meet.
Senior Isaac McGill got things started with a bronze medal in the 3200 meter run in the morning session setting the school-record time of 9:16.46.
“I ran my heart out for sure. This feels amazing honestly. Shoutout to Butare Rugenerwa. Just to mention with a runner like him is incredible. I never thought I’d break his school-record.”
In the evenings running session senior Trey Thomas was superb claiming bronze in the 300 hurdles. Thomas capped off a stellar career setting a new personal-best 37.76.
“This means a ton,” Thomas said. “After last year got cancelled I knew I had to make this year count. I wanted to go out with a bang, and this means everything to bring this bronze back to Amarillo High.”
Thomas wasn’t done. In the final race of the night, Thomas, along with teammates Damonze Woods, Cooper Clawson, and Tyrese Molden hung in a speedy 1600 meter relay gaining a bronze with a new season-best 3:17.71.
“I couldn’t be more proud of this team,” AHS head track coach Steve Bergeski said. “Isaac McGill kicked us off in the morning, Trey was amazing and we ran so well in the relay. I feel we exceeded what we came to do.”
Though he didn’t find the medal stand Tascosa junior and Division I football prospect Major Everhart placed in his two running events. The junior clocked a 10.55 to finish sixth in the 100 meter dash, followed by a 21.50 in the 200 to place fifth.