With track season in the Rio Grande Valley getting underway today, here are some of the top athletes to watch in The Monitor area:
Girls
Brianna Robles, La Joya Palmview, Junior
A regional qualifier in the 1600-meter and 3200, Robles holds the second-fastest time in Valley history in the 3200 with a 10:49.57.
I’Dasha Sorrell, Donna North, Senior
A top competitor in the 100, 200, 100 hurdles and triple jump, Sorrell ranked third in the Valley in the 100 last year with a 12.64 and third in the triple jump with a 36-06.75.
Beth Ramos, Edinburg North, Junior
A distance running specialist, Ramos holds the third-fastest 3200 time in Valley history with a 10:50.75.
Lanie Nitsch, McAllen Memorial, Sophomore
As just a freshman last season, Nitsch ranked second in the Valley in both the 100 hurdles (15.36) and 300 hurdles (45.39).
Lorraine Estrada, McAllen Rowe, Senior
Estrada burst onto the scene for Rowe last season, running the Valley’s best time in the 400 with a 56.99.
Boys
Cruz Gomez, PSJA Memorial, Sophomore
A state qualifier in the 3200 last year, Gomez ran the Valley’s best time with a 9:19.56. His 1600 time ranked fourth (4:23.14).
Victor Bocanegra, La Joya Palmview, Senior
Bocanegra ranked third in the Valley in the 800 with a 1:55.77. He also competes in the high jump.
Dominic Cavazos, Mercedes, Senior
Cavazos ranked fourth in the Valley’s best in the 3,200, running a 9:33.94.
Tristen Myende, La Joya Palmview, Senior
Myende posted the Valley’s second-fastest time in the 110 hurdles, running a 14.83.
Raudel Alvarez, PSJA North, Senior
A jumper, Alvarez posted the Valley’s fourth-best triple jump mark last year with a 45-1.5.