The 2017 edition of Natalia High School and Jr. High Track and Field began last Thursday and Friday in Frio County at the Pearsall Maverick Relays.
Although numbers are not as high as some would like, especially when it comes to high school girls, there were a lot of positives during the first meet of the season.
High School
The Natalia Track Program is under the direction of Head Coach Martin Alvarez this season as he is assisted by numerous coaches. While the number of Mustangs out this season is pretty good, he only has eight Lady Mustangs out thus far competing in the young season.
Last weekend when it came to competition in Frio County, Natalia was able to place in four events at the varsity level for the boys and seven events at the junior varsity level for the boys.
Dustin Richardson led the Natalia Varsity Mustangs as he placed 2nd in the High Jump with a jump of 5’4”.
In Running Events, the Sprint Relay team comprised of Rey Rizo, Gabe Figueroa, Diego Zapata and Ryan Rizo placed 5th in a stiff field of competition with a time of 46.63.
Rizo was also able to place 5th in the 100 M. Dash with a time of 11.78 as Manny Padilla claimed 3rd in the 400 M. Run with a time of 57.09.
The following are results for the Junior Varsity Mustangs who placed: High Jump: Marcus Perez (2nd place) 5’2”; Discus: Uriel Arellano (3rd place) 95’8”’ Shot Put: Uriel Arellano (6th place) 33’10”; 400 M. Run: Evi Curiel (6th place) 64.18; 1600 M. Run: Saul Valdez (place unknown) 5:44.88; Mile Relay: Team of Caden Fregia, Marcus Perez, Curiel and Brad Martin (5th place) 4:22.15.
Note: No one placed in high school on the girl’s side of things.
“I felt the varsity and junior varsity did a great job of competing after only a few days of practice,” Coach Alvarez said. “I was pleased with where we are at and I expect us to improve as the season goes on. We have set some marks and we hope to beat them at every meet as we push toward district.”
The next Varsity Meet will be this Saturday in Poteet.
Jr. High
The Natalia Jr. High Track and Field Program took two busloads of athletes to Frio County to compete in a Ribbon Meet last Friday.
“The junior high athletes did a great job at the meet and came away with several 1st place ribbons,” Alvarez said. “they competed well and had a lot of determination in the way they ran. Some of the standouts were: Jarrett Stallworth (8th grade), Trista Vera (8th grade), Liberty Gilkey (7th grade) and Noah Gilkey (7th grade). I was very proud of these athletes and expect them to improve as the season progresses.”
The Natalia Jr. High Mustangs and Lady Mustangs will compete this coming Thursday, February 23rd in Poteet.
By Eric Smith
Staff Writer