The finish line is in site for several track and field athletes on Friday as they compete for state championships in the UIL 5A state meet in Austin.

“I’m excited for every aspect of the meet since I don’t know what to expect,” junior Cori Ross said via text. “There’s a huge opportunity for all of us and I feel very fortunate to be able to go to state and compete against those from other regions.”

Head coach Chip Gregory is seeing more effort from his athletes as the season has progressed.

“We are taking 10 individuals and those 10 individuals are going to represent Liberty track and field to the fullest,” Gregory said. “Since we have been through district and area, and are now just finishing up with regionals, practice has been more focused mentally.”

On the boy’s side of things, junior Evan Stewart saw a similar effect on his teammates after the area meet in which the 4×100 relay team failed to advance out of the area meet.

“We were not focused and you need to be very focused in this sport as we showed when we dropped the baton,” Stewart said. “We are looking to see a lot of competition at the upcoming meet and we are going to have to come out with our A game.”

Competing against the best in the state, Gregory believes the team is ready to represent the Redhawk nation. 

“If anything, our athletes have a big support system behind them,” Gregory said. “Alumni have been texting me, emailing me, that they are excited. I think it is the time and opportunity to refocus. All you can hope for is that they refocus in practice and they come back more hungry and ready to work and try to take advantage of the opportunities that they do have.”