Tigers, Tigerettes qualify runners to compete at State track

It was a strong Regional meet for the Slaton track teams when they competed April 26 and 27 at Abilene Christian University.

The Tigers were guaranteed to advance to state in two events, while the Tigerettes advanced in five events.

The team of Eli Martinez, Zephron Ortiz, Ta’Shawn Tipton and Kevondrick Gober won regional championships in both the 4×100 and 4×200 meter relays, qualifying for state in the process.

Quevon McDaniel came in third in the triple jump and has the possibility of advancing to state as a wild card.

Kevondrick Gober came in fourth in the 100-meter dash, narrowly missing out on an opportunity for a State appearance.

Zephron Ortiz came in sixth place in the 200-meter dash, and Malachi Mendez came in 12th in the 110-meter hurdles.

For the Tigerettes, the team of Kamryn Gibbs, Zanady Coronado, Xazari Naylor and Ta’kaja Robinson won Regional championships and advanced to state in both the 4×100 and 4×200 meter relays with a time of 48.91 seconds and 1 minute 42.5 seconds respectively.

Robinson came in second in the long jump, with a jump of 17 feet and 7 inches guaranteeing a spot in the State meet.

She also came in third in the triple jump with a jump of 38 feet and half an inch, and came in third in the 200-meter dash with a time of 24.72.

Robinson initially was a wild card in both the triple jump and 200-meter dash, but Tuesday found she will now compete at State in all five events.

The teams will compete in the State track and field tournament May 10 and 11 at the Mike A. Myers Track Complex at the The University of Texas in Austin.