The Natalia High School and Junior High School Track and Field teams opened their season up in Frio County last week at the Pearsall Relays. This season, numbers continue to rise according to Head Track and Field Coach Martin Alvarez and he is excited about the season ahead.
“Our kids did a great job of competing and they have established a time or mark and will look to improve in every meet,” Coach Alvarez said.
High School Meet
Natalia opened their season in Pearsall Thursday afternoon, February 15th as a total of ten athletes were able to medal in addition to one of the relay teams. Results are as follows: Dustin Richardson-1st High Jump, Marcus Perez-3rd High Jump, Uri Arellano-3rd Discus, Manny Padilla-6th 300 M. Hurdles, Matt Manka-6th Shot Put, Trista Vera-5th 100 M. Dash, 4X400 M. Relay Evi Curiel, Marcus Perez, Xavier Vasquez, Manny Padilla 5th place.
In the Junior Varsity Division, the results were as follows: RC Carejo-6th Shot Put, Matt Contreras-4th Pole Vault, Donovan Hawkins-4th 400 M. Run, Enrique Martinez-5th 400 M. Run.
Junior High Meet
One day later, the junior high athletes from NJH were in Pearsall competing in a very competitive and large meet. 7th Grade Boys Results: Dustin Cruz-1st Discus, Gianni Rios-1st 110 M. Hurdles, Eric Riojas-3rd High Jump and Anthony Garza-4th Mile Run. 8th Grade Boys Results: Ryan Rizo- 2nd 100 M. Dash, Noah Gilkey-4th High Jump. 8th Grade Girls – Angelica Padilla-3rd Shot Put, Katie Curiel-1st 100 M. Dash, Abi Woodson-3rd 100 M. Hurdles, 4X100 M. Relay- Tina Fulton, Genesis Perez, Meg Martinez, Abi Woodson-1st place. 4X400 M. Relay- Briana Paredes, Taty Alvarado, Katie Curiel and Genesis Perez-1st place.
“The kids have a build to district mindset and am looking forward to a great track season,” Alvarez said.
According to Alvarez, there are currently 86 students competing in track and field at the junior high level and 55 in the high school program.
The NJH tracksters return to action on Thursday, February 22nd in Poteet as the HS tracksters return to action on Saturday, February 24th in Poteet.
By Eric Smith