Nine track athletes qualified for the region meet in Lubbock on May 2-3, although none advanced to the state meet.
Indians
Earning 68 points with a fifth place finish at district, six Indian track members advanced to regionals and competed on May 2 and 3.
“I wouldn’t call it a surprise because going into the district meet coaches pretty much know what every other school has and is capable of doing,” Spruill said. “It’s always an enjoyable experience when anyone advances to regionals but having freshmen advance keeps you excited about the possibilities for the future.”
The Indian team had several freshmen running on relays including freshman Anthony Sharko, who competed in the sprint relay, the 200-meter relay and the long jump. Four of the six who advanced were freshmen, but this didn’t come as a surprise to Coach Rick Spruill.
The regional meet was an eye-opener for young athletes.
“Going to practice, working out everyday and stretching paid off,” freshman sprinter Joe Villava said. “I improved a lot, but regionals wasn’t what I expected.”
The two relays included Sharko, Villalva, freshman Chason Williams (also qualified in triple jump), junior David Moncayo and junior Andre Ysasi. Sophomore Jacob Burtch also qualified in the 400-meter dash.
“Our biggest obstacle this year is the same one that we face every year and that is numbers,” Spruill said. “We have many talented athletes in our athletic program who could contribute to winning a district championship, but whatever their reasons are, they choose not to participate. We need them to help.”
Maidens
The Maidens had three members of the fifth place district team advance to regionals.
“The girls who went to regionals competed hard so you can’t be disappointed in that,” Coach Brent Terry said. “It’s always sad when they don’t advance to state, but you just have to be proud as a coach.”
Senior Giselle Loya advanced in the 400-meter dash.
“I felt accomplished,” Loya said. “I reached my best time this season.”
Junior Destini Thomas advanced in both hurdles races.
“Regionals was straight adrenaline,” Thomas said, “but it wasn’t the best of my ability.”
Junior Myka Alvidrez rounded out the qualifiers going in high jump.
“Regionals was fun,” junior Myka Alvidrez said. “It makes me want to work harder, so I can go in more than one event next year.”
The season was a trying one with Terry out with health issues and injuries.
“Injuries kept us from competing on our full level,” Terry said, “but nearly everyone improved their times and distances which is a good thing.”