Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
The Mustang track and field team had more than its share of ups during their 2026 season. Included in those good times were five athletes that earned the opportunity to compete in the District 27-28 Class 3A Area Meet on April 16 in Jourdanton.
R.J. De La O, Jimmy Ayala, Matthew Rodriguez, Jordan Rodriguez, and Jacob Camacho worked their way past district competition before closing their season at Area.
De La O and Ayala combined to score points for the Mustangs.
Congratulations to all Natalia coaches and Area-Qualifying athletes on a memorable 2026 season!
Team rankings
1st Randolph 140, 2nd Lytle 102, 3rd Marion 100, 4th San Antonio Cole 86, 5th Jourdanton 64, 6th Hondo 48, 7th Great Hearts Northern Oaks 27, 8th Cotulla 22.5, 9th YMLA 19, 10th Crystal City 4, 11th Poteet 3, 12th Natalia 2.5, 13th Great Hearts Monte Vista 2.
Mustang results
Field Events High Jump—T5th De La O 5’8 Pole Vault—6th Ayala 10’0 Running Events 100m—8th M. Rodriguez 12.03 Relay 4x400m—8th J. Rodriguez, Camacho, De La O, Ayala 3:46.64
Mustang track closes 2026 season at Area
Mustang RJ De La O qualified for the Area track and field meet where he competed in the High Jump event and took home fifth place, reaching heights up to 5’8. Photo by Moose Lopez.
