Sights set on gold, track and field athlete ready for state

Track+will+head+to+Mike+A.+Myers+Track+Complex+to+compete+in+the+state+championship+on+Friday%2C+May+10%2C+2019.+For+senior+Nissi+Kabongo%2C+this+will+be+her+4th+time+at+State+for+track+and+placed+5th+in+high+jump+for+the+2018-19+season.

Roy Nitzan

Track will head to Mike A. Myers Track Complex to compete in the state championship on Friday, May 10, 2019. For senior Nissi Kabongo, this will be her 4th time at State for track and placed 5th in high jump for the 2018-19 season.

Catie Reeves, Sports Editor

After working for a spot at the UIL State Meet all year, four track and field athletes are going to be making their way to Austin to compete for a chance at a state championship on Friday and Saturday at the Mike A. Myers Track Complex.

“It feels good to finally make it to state,” pole vaulter Kristen Masucci said. “It’s a great way to end my senior track season regardless of what happens. I’m hoping to get a new PR tomorrow and a place on the medal stand.”

Representing the boys’ team, freshman Evan Stewart is competing in the long and triple jump after setting a new record for the school at the Region II-5A meet in late April.

“It’s pretty great because I worked for it and my abilities so I’m just trying to put them to use,” Stewart said. “I’m trying to keep a humble mindset. I’m not really doing it for me I’m doing it for the school and I have to represent it.”

Running events are scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. on Friday with senior Nissi Kabongo set to run in the 800m and 300m hurdles races as well as the high jump where she is a heavy favorite to place in top three.

“At state I want to come home with three state medals,” Kabongo said. “Also, hopefully take home a team title as well.”

Qualifying at regionals with a gold medal in the long jump, senior Sanye Ford is hoping to leave her mark on the school’s track program with a strong performance.

“At state I’m hoping to medal to even win my event,” Ford said. “I also would really like to go out with a PR in my last ever meet.”