BY JON R. LaFOLLETTE | STAFF WRITER

MORE: Complete results from the District 31-5A field event finals

PHARR — First it was on, but then it wasn’t. Then it kind of was, but then it definitely wasn’t again.

Such was the back-and-forth day had by field event athletes at the District 31-5A meet Wednesday at Valley View High School. As competitors spent the morning warming up for their respective events, spotty showers dampened the area, causing throwing pits and jumping lanes to turn slick and hazardous. A day due to begin at 10 a.m. didn’t start until four hours later.

Coaches contemplated their options, including moving the meet to a drier location or postponing field events entirely. In the meantime, Nyla Vela got cozy on the bleachers of the Valley View gym, napping during the extended downtime.

“It was not comfortable, at all,” Vela said. “I would not recommend, no way.”

Though the Mission Veterans Memorial sophomore made due for her mid-morning siesta, she looked more than comfortable during the girls triple jump, winning gold with a distance of 35 feet, 7 1/2 inches. Vela continues to rank among the Valley’s best jumpers this season, and delivered a consistent effort with four of five attempts measuring beyond 34 feet.

Vela, along with all of the meet’s top two finishers, automatically qualify for the regional meet April 29 and 30 in San Antonio. There is no area meet for Valley athletes in Class 5A. District track finals are 6 p.m. Friday at Valley View.

Wednesday marked Vela’s first go in the triple jump in two weeks after suffering a stress fracture in her left foot. The fracture is the side-effect of a nerve condition that affects the way Vela runs and walks on that foot.

While Vela’s feet did their jobs, she couldn’t help feeling nervous during the event’s opening moments. Given the rain and the fact Valley View had only recently finished constructing sand pits, Vela had good cause for concern.

“The runway was a lot better than I thought it would be,” Vela said. “Everything was really nice. I was kind of scared on my first jump, but after that everything went smooth.”

The same could not be said for teammate and freshman Charlize De La Garza, who slipped and fell twice during warmups for the high jump. Despite the blooper, De La Garza claimed first by clearing a height of 4-11. Alexis Vasquez was the third Lady Patriot to win gold, doing so in the shot put with a distance of 35-11 1/4.

Other girls teams to top the podium Wednesday include Rio Grande City (3,200-meter run, pole vault), Sharyland Pioneer (discus) and Sharyland High (long jump).

The boys competition was largely a showcase for Sharyland Pioneer’s Tanner Trigg, who swept the discus and shot put to punch a ticket to the regional meet for the second straight season. Trigg threw 149-10 in the discus and a new personal best of 50-04 1/2 in the shot.

The senior thrower entered his final year with a singular focus on track. Once a multi-sport athlete, Trigg saw his future in the throwing pits instead of the gridiron.

“I realized I actually have a future in this,” Trigg said. “I’m probably not going to play in the NBA and probably not in the NFL, either. Coach (Larry) Howell said, ‘Hey Look, if you want to be the best, you’re going to have to make some sacrifices.’ And I did. I worked all year ‘round and it really paid off.”

Trigg’s best throw in the shot occurred on his last attempt. With a top-two finish already guaranteed, he threw with controlled abandon, letting out a shout of victory as he watched the eight-pound shot rainbow into the ground with a flat thud.

Trigg says he was satisfied with his distances given the weather, and that competing in wind and drizzle is never easy. Still, he spoke well of the Valley View facilities and said they played no role in his success.

“I’m definitely going to work on the back of the ring, working on my collection phase and then firing off and really feeling at the end,” Trigg said of his preparations for the regional meet. “Coach says to feel it come off your fingers every time you throw.”

Trigg’s teammate Jordan Wilson won first in the long jump with a distance of 21-07.

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District 31-5A Track and Field Meet Results

April 13

Valley View High School, Pharr

Top two finishers automatically qualify for the regional meet

BOYS

TRACK EVENTS

3200-meter run

1, Fabian Garcia, Mission Veterans Memorial, 9:35.47; 2, Jose Aleman, Sharyland Pioneer, 9:41.71; 3, Brandon Garcia, Rio Grande City, 9:46.62; 4, Marcos Garza, Sharyland Pioneer, 10:00.38; 5, Martin Gonzalez, Sharyland High, 10:16.50; 6, Brandon Ramirez, Sharyland High, 10:17.38.

FIELD EVENTS

Shot Put

1,Tanner Trigg, Sharyland Pioneer, 50-04.5; 2, Dillon McGuffin, Rio Grande City, 48-08.5; 3, Jamie Gomez, Rio Grande City, 47-06; 4, Zack Clemons, Sharyland High, 46-08.25; 5, Jordan De Leon, Mission Veterans Memorial, 45-11.5; 6, Albert Escobar, Roma, 41-03.

Discus

1, Tanner Trigg, Sharyland Pioneer, 149-10; 2, Jordan De Leon, Mission Veterans Memorial, 148-03; 3, Johnny Howell, Sharyland Pioneer, 143-08; 4, Juan Ramirez, Roma, 142-07; 5, Orlando Guzman, Edinburg Vela, 141-04; 6, Jaime Gomez, Rio Grande City, 136-05.

Long Jump

1, Jordan Wilson, Sharyland Pioneer, 21-07; 2, Maximilliano Oyervides, Sharyland High, 20-03; 3, Elisa Cobos, Rio Grande City, 20-01; 4, Michael Arguellez, Edinburg Vela, 19-08; 5, Jacob Sullivan, Sharyland High, 19-07; 6, Jose Garza, Sharyland High, J19-07.

Triple Jump

1, Adrian Cruz, Edinburg Vela, 42-10; 2, Blake Klein, Sharyland High, 42-02; 3, Chaunts Weston, Sharyland Pioneer, 42-01; 4, Jamal Diaby, Sharyland Pioneer, 42-00.75; 5, Robert Rosales, Valley View, 40-09.5; 6, Abelardo Lopez, Rio Grande City, 40-09.

High Jump

1, Maximilliano Oyervides, Sharyland High, 6-03; 2, Robert Rosales, Valley View, 6-02; 3, Jordan Wilson, Sharyland Pioneer, 6-00; 4, Jose Garza, Sharyland High, 5-10; 5, Seth Carter, Sharyland High, J5-10;6, Adam Solis, Valley View, 5-08.

Pole Vault

1, Luis Trujillo, Mission Veterans Memorial, 13-00; 2, Roman Garcia, Sharyland Pioneer, 12-06; 3, Seth Carter, Sharyland High, 12-00; 4, Jimmy Esquivel, Sharyland High, 11-06; 5, Angel Chapa, Sharyland Pioneer, 10-00; 6, Santiago Garcia, Sharyland Pioneer, J10-00.

GIRLS

TRACK EVENTS

3200-meter run

1, Ana Bautista, Rio Grande City, 11:36.72; 2, Marlette Trevino, Rio Grande City, 12:05.96; 3, Joanna Alanis, Edinburg Vela, 12:12.96; 4, Samantha Guerrero, Sharyland High, 12:18.62; 5, Yanelly Garza, Sharyland Pioneer, 12:22.58; 6, Cynthia Hernandez, Sharyland High, 12:24.18.

FIELD EVENTS

Shot Put

1, Alexis Vasquez, Mission Veterans Memorial, 35-11.25; 2, Emily Zamora, Edinburg Vela, 34-09.25; 3, Malaya Pistokache, Sharyland Pioneer, 34-01; 4, Esekayla Garcia, Rio Grande City, 31-11; 5, Ashley Navarro, Mission Veterans Memorial, 31-05; 6, Iesha Garcia, Rio Grande City, 31-02.25.

Discus

1, Malaya Pistokache, Sharyland Pioneer, 117-06; 2, Emily Zamora, Edinburg Vela, 116-07; 3, Esekayla Garcia, Rio Grande City, 109-07; 4, Cynthia Sandoval, Roma, 106-02; 5, Ashley Navarro, Mission Veterans Memorial, 105-05; 6, Alexis Vasquez, Mission Veterans Memorial, 104-04.

Long Jump

1, Caleigh Hausenfluck, Sharyland High, 16-10.25; 2, Bridgette Famigliette, Sharyland Pioneer, 16-07; 3, Mariah Gonzalez, Mission Veterans Memorial, 16-06.5; 4, Kris Rocha, Roma, 16-06.25; 5, Deandra Garza, Sharyland Pioneer, 16-05; 6, Sabrina Garza, Rio Grande City, 16-03.

Triple Jump

1, Nyla Vela, Mission Veterans Memorial, 35-07.5; 2, Deandra Garza, Sharyland Pioneer, 34-05.25; 3, Bridgette Famigliette, Sharyland Pioneer, 34-03.5;4, Amanda Lozano, Mission Veterans Memorial, 34-00.25; 5, Caleigh Hausenfluck, Sharyland High, 33-07.25; 6, Mariah Gonzalez, Mission Veterans Memorial, 32-11.75.

High Jump

1, Charlize De La Garza, Mission Veterans Memorial, 4-11; 2, Makenzie Gerlach, Mission Veterans Memorial, 4-10; 3, Patty Young, Edinburg Vela, J4-10; 4, Amber Hollingshead, Sharyland High, 4-08; 5, Isabel Alaniz, Edinburg Vela, 4-06; 5, Sophia Ramirez, Edinburg Vela, 4-06.

Pole Vault

1, Alejandra Clarke, Rio Grande City, 9-00; 2, Maria Gonzalez, Mission Veterans Memorial, 8-09; 3, Chelsea Chandler, Sharyland Pioneer, 8-93; 4, Ashley Garcia, Rio Grande City, 8-00; 5, Andrea Marcos, Sharyland High, 7-06; 6, Aissa Quintana, Edinburg Vela, J7-06.

District 30-6A Track and Field Meet

April 12

McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium

Top four finishers advanced to the area meet

BOYS

TRACK EVENTS

3200-meter run

1, Eliseo Rodriguez, La Joya Palmview, 9:55.08; 2, Jose Serna, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 9:58.52; 3, Evan Williams, McAllen Memorial, 9:59.62; 4, Trevor Williams, McAllen Memorial, 10:01.84; 5, Martin Baez, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 10:15.55; 6, Arutro Cedillo, McAllen High, 10:25.18.

FIELD EVENTS

Shot Put

1, Ricardo Miner, McAllen Memorial, 49-05.5; 2, Ricky Espinoza, La Joya Palmview, 49-04; 3, Emilio Mendez, McAllen Memorial, 43-05; 4, Arturo Gutierrez, La Joya Palmview, 43-02.5; 5, Abram Aguilar, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 43-02; 6, Jose Pena, McAllen High, 42-09.

Discus

1, Arturo Gutierrez, La Joya Palmview, 145-06.5; 2, Francisco Meza, McAllen Memorial, 136-09.5; 3, Ricardo Miner, McAllen Memorial, 130-00; 4, Abram Aguilar, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 125-01; 5, Ricky Espinoza, La Joya Palmview, 123-08; 6, Julio Garcia, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 121-03.

Long Jump

1, Joshua McGowen, McAllen High, 23-03; 2, D.J. Johnson, McAllen Memorial, 22-06; 3, Michael Boltie, McAllen Memorial, J22-06; 4, Hector Bosquez, McAllen Rowe, 21-08.5; 5, Carlos Serna, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 21-01; 6, Tristen Myende, La Joya Palmview, 20-09.

Triple Jump

1, Joshua McGowen, McAllen High, 47-05.75; 2, Hector Bosquez, McAllen Rowe, 43-11.25; 3, D.J. Johnson, McAllen Memorial, J43-06.75; 3, Damian Quintanilla, La Joya Palmview, J43-06.75; 5, Jonathan Sanchez, McAllen Memorial, 41-09.25; 6, Zachary Garcia, McAllen High, 41-00.25.

High Jump

1, D.J. Johnson, McAllen Memorial, 6-00; 2, Victor Bocanegra, La Joya Palmview, 5-10; 3, Jonathan Larson, McAllen Memorial, 5-08; 4, Isayah West, McAllen High, J5-08; 5, Fabian Garza, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 5-06; 6, Andrew Rodriguez, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, J5-06.

Pole Vault

1, Michael Boltie, McAllen Memorial, 15-00; 2, Victor Romero, Mission High, 11-06; 3, Miguel Frias, Mission High, 10-06; 4, Hector Soto, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 10-00; 5, Tyler Friedlen, McAllen High, J10-00; 6, Fabian Garza, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 9-00.

GIRLS

TRACK EVENTS

3200-meter run

1, Brianna Robles, La Joya Palmview, 11:26.69; 2, Priscilla Flores, La Joya Palmview, 11:53.30; 3, Alexandria Canchola, McAllen High, 11:59.05; 4, Naila Flores, La Joya Palmview, 12:00.00; 5, Alessandra Gutierrez, McAllen Rowe, 12:06.21; 6, Paulina Maldonado, McAllen High, 12:20.94.

FIELD EVENTS

Shot Put

1, Eloisa Martinez, McAllen Memorial, 38-00; Felcita Saenz, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 35-02.5; 3, Karina Casanova, La Joya High, 32-05; 4, Martha Bocanegra, La Joya Palmview, 32-04.5; 5, Diana Bustos, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 31-09.5; 6, Krystal Bocanegra, La Joya Palmview, 30-06.

Discus

1, Karen Guerra, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 133-08; 2, Eloisa Martinez, McAllen Memorial, 118-02; 3, Olivia Mata, McAllen High, 116-05.5; 4, Diana Bustos, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 113-01; 5, Martha Bocanegra, La Joya Palmview, 103-03; 6, Jacqueline Mendoza, McAllen Rowe, 103-01.5.

Long Jump

1, Mirna Tamez, La Joya Palmview, 18-00; 2, Jovanni Solis, McAllen Rowe, 17-04.50; 3, Natalie Young, McAllen Memorial, 17-02.5; 4, Melody Magee, McAllen High, 17-02; 5, Brenda Martinez, La Joya Palmview, 16-05; 6, Jade Rodriguez, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 16-01.5.

Triple Jump

1, Jovanni Solis, McAllen Rowe, 37-02.5; 2, Brenda Martinez, La Joya Palmview, 35-11.25; 3, Thanya Garza, McAllen Memorial, 34-10; 4, Mayda Garcia, McAllen Rowe, 34-09.75; 5, Bailey Villalon, La Joya Palmview, 34-08.75; 6, Mirna Tamez, La Joya Palmview, 34-08.5; 6, Mirna Tamez, La Joya Palmview, 34-08.5.

High Jump

1, Ana Calderon, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 5-00; 2, Hanna Kelly, McAllen High, J5-00; 3, Sarah Killian, McAllen High, J5-00; 4, Katherine Deleon, McAllen Memorial, J5-00; 5, Brenda Martinez, La Joya Palmview, 4-08; 6, Carter Helmcamp, McAllen High, 4-06.

Pole Vault

1, Elizabeth St. Clair, McAllen Memorial, 10-00; 2, Sarah Solis, McAllen High, J10-00; 3, Victoria Alanis, McAllen Memorial, 8-06; 4, Carter Helmcamp, McAllen High, 8-00; 5, Janelle De La Garza, La Joya Palmview, 7-06; 6, Nancy Bolanos, McAllen Rowe, 7-00; 6, Abriana Villarreal, La Joya Palmview, 7-00; 6, Paulina Sanchez, 7-00.

BY JON R. LaFOLLETTE | STAFF WRITER

More Track and Field Coverage:

• Complete District 31-6A track finals
• Complete District 31-6A field event finals
• PSJA North boys, Weslaco High girls show well on first day

PHARR — The Weslaco High boys and girls swept the District 31-6A track and field championships Saturday, albeit behind two different paths to success.

For the Lady Panthers, their trek to PSJA Stadium was a typical podium-topping affair. During the two day event, the team collected 12 gold medals from 17 events to score 203 team points.

This is Weslaco’s fifth consecutive girls district track title, and sixth overall under coach Pablo Almaguer.

But while the Lady Panthers sleepwalked their way to another district crown, the boys team took the evening’s top prize despite winning just a pair of gold medals. It wasn’t until the 200-meter dash, the third to last event, that Weslaco passed Edinburg Economedes in the team standings for good.

Weslaco defeated Econ 146 to 122. PSJA North placed third with 93 points. Though Econ led for much of the night, the Jaguars gave up ground by not fielding athletes in the 200 dash and 1600.

Sergio Murillo was the only Panther to place first in individual events that counted toward the team standings. The senior sprinter won the 200 and 400-meter dash with a time of 22.88 seconds and 50.05, respectively. Though Murillo ranks in the Valley’s best in both events, Saturday’s glory came with a little less guts.

“I came into this meet not feeling well,” Murillo said. “I had a fever and I haven’t eaten all day. I didn’t know if I had the energy to go out there and run the way that I did.”

This is the boys’ first district crown since 2008 and the first with fourth-year coach Gustavo Cabrera. All top four finishers advance to the area meet April 23 at PSJA Stadium.

Econ won five gold medals, including the 400 and 800 relay teams, and swept the 110 and 300 hurdles thanks to junior Bony Rios. Rios won the 110 in 15.06, edging Weslaco’s Alexander Lara by .25 seconds, and posted a 41.49 in during the 300, taking the lead only on the last hurdle after spending much of the race in third.

“Bony is a pretty confident kid,” Econ boys coach Brandon Solis said. “He knows what he’s doing out there and he knows what he’s capable of.”

Other notable performances from the Weslaco boys include Robert Rojas, who placed second in the 800 in 2:01.99 and Edward Ayala, who won silver in the 100 dash in 11.40.

For Lady Panthers sophomore Eleanor Arndt, the meet was another chance to demonstrate her individual talents. She competed at state a year ago as a member of the 1600 relay, but hopes to someday return as a solo act. Though Arndt still pulls relay duty, this year she’s showcasing her abilities in the long jump and the 400 dash, winning both events during the district meet.

“The quarter mile is new for me,” Arndt said. “It’s one of my favorite events. I love running in that race. It’s really hard, but I just love the pain that you get in the last 100 meters when you see the finish line. It gives you that rush that makes you want to run harder.”

Teammate Stephanie Sauceda competed alongside Arndt at state, too, and demonstrated her prowess as a middle distance runner in the 800 with a time of 2:21.51.

The only girl athlete to win a race not wearing Weslaco purple Saturday was Edinburg North’s Beth Ramos, who cruised to a comfortable 12-second victory in the 1600 run in 5:14.00.

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District 31-6A track and field meet results

April 9

PSJA Stadium, Pharr

*Top four finishers automatically advance to the area meet

TEAM STANDINGS

BOYS

1, Weslaco High, 146; 2, Edinburg Economedes, 122; 3, PSJA North, 93; 4, Weslaco East, 92; 5, PSJA Memorial, 85; 6, Edinburg North, 73; 7, Edinburg High, 9.

GIRLS

1, Weslaco High, 203; 2, Edinburg High, 92; 2, Edinburg North, 92; 4, Weslaco East, 64; 5, PSJA North, 62; 6, Edinburg Economedes, 57; 7, PSJA Memorial, 50.

INDIVIDUAL STANDINGS

BOYS

TRACK EVENTS

100-meter dash

1, Carlos Vela, Edinburg Economedes, 11.01; 2, Edward Ayala, Weslaco High, 11.40; 3, Brian Guerra, Weslaco High, 11.43; 4, Ciro Hernandez, PSJA North, 11.45; 5, Andrew Guzman, Edinburg North, 11.49; 6, Justin Coronado, Weslaco High, 11.52.

100-meter wheelchair

1, Joe Solis, Weslaco High, 19.73; 2, Leroy Garcia, Weslaco High, 27.41.

200-meter dash

1, Sergio Murillo, Weslaco High, 22.88; 2, Edward Ayala, Weslaco High, 23.09; 3, Oscar Cantu, PSJA North, 23.38; 4, Desi Rodriguez, Weslaco High, 23.43; 5, William Almeida, Edinburg High, 23.76; 6, Jacob Hernandez, PSJA North, 23.84.

400-meter dash wheelchair

1, Joe Solis, Weslaco High, 1:14.91; 2, Leroy Garcia, Weslaco High, 1:45.69.

400-meter dash

1, Sergio Murillo, Weslaco High, 50.05; 2, Derick Ybarra, Weslaco East, 51.86; 3, Adrian Saavedra, Edinburg Economedes, 52.27; 4, Vicente Rodriguez, PSJA Memorial, 52.69; 5, Robert Rojas, Weslaco High, 52.79; 6, Jacob Hernandez, PSJA North, 53.94.

800-meter run

1, Luis Ramirez, Weslaco East, 2:01.08; 2, Robert Rojas, Weslaco High, 2:01.99; 3, Reymundo Elvira, PSJA North, 2:04.94; 4, Leo Alvarado, Weslaco East, 2:05.02; 5, Juan Santana-Charriez, Edinburg North, 2:06.19; 6, Andrew Nunez, Edinburg North, 2:07.07.

1600-meter run

1, Jayven Cordova, Weslaco East, 4:24.06; 2, Joshua Doria, Edinburg North, 4:27.24; 3, Cruz Gomez, PSJA Memorial, 4:27.27; 4, Tristan Pena, Edinburg North, 4:31.06; 5, Juan Orozco, PSJA North, 4:32.03; 6, Aldo Nava, Edinburg North, 4:26.38.

110-meter hurdles

1, Bony Rios, Edinburg Economedes, 15.06; 2, Alexander Lara, Weslaco High, 15.31; 3, Juan Carlos Vargas, Weslaco East, 15.82; 4, Justin Guerra, Edinburg North, 16.12; 5, Alex Cabagne, Weslaco High, 16.20; 6, Roel De Leon, Edinburg North, 16.83.

300-meter hurdles

1, Bony Rios, Edinburg Economedes, 41.49; 2, Justin Guerra, Edinburg North, 41.61; 3, Brandon Bradford, PSJA North, 41.88; 4, Michael Walden, PSJA Memorial, 42.64; 5, Alexander Lara, Weslaco High, 43.05; 6, Edgar Vazquez, Edinburg Economedes, 43.56.

400-meter relay

1, Edinburg Economedes, 43.37; 2, PSJA North, 43.90; 3, Weslaco High, 44.09; 4, Weslaco East, 44.58; 5, Edinburg North, 45.28; 6, Edinburg High, 45.29.

800-meter relay

1, Edinburg Economedes, 1:31.51; 2, Weslaco High, 1:31.95; 3, PSJA North, 1:33.04; 4, PSJA Memorial, 1:33.05; 5, Edinburg North, 1:33.99; 6, Weslaco East, 1:34.46.

1600-meter relay

1, PSJA Memorial, 3:29.54; 2, Weslaco High, 3:31.00; 3, Edinburg North, 3:32.77; 4, Weslaco East, 3:33.04; 5, Edinburg Economedes, 3:35.30; 6, PSJA North, 3:36.18.

GIRLS

TRACK EVENTS

100-meter dash

1, Sydney Salinas, Weslaco High, 12.99; 2, Elida Hernandez, Weslaco High, 13.00; 3, Alexandria Soto, PJSA Memorial, 13.20; 4, Danielle Burget, Weslaco East, 13.35; 5, Valorie De Leon, Edinburg High, 13.41; 6, Priscilla Vela, Edinburg Economedes, 13.53.

200-meter dash

1, Elida Hernandez, Weslaco High, 26.69; 2, Xitlaly Hernandez, Weslaco East, 27.00; 3, Jacklyn Salinas, PSJA Memorial, 27.59; 4, Danielle Burget, Weslaco East, 27.68; 5, Natalie Martinez, Edinburg High, 27.76; 6, Chantel Barrera, Weslaco High, 27.87.

400-meter dash

1, Eleanor Arndt, Weslaco High, 58.71; 2, Marissa Arce, Edinburg High, 1:02.55; 3, Ava Perez, Weslaco High, 1:02.6; 4, Kassandra Trevino, Edinburg Economedes, 1:04.02; 5, Alexis Cruz, PSJA Memorial, 1:04.86; 6, Aaliyah Garza, Weslaco High, 1:05.06.

800-meter run

1, Stephanie Sauceda, Weslaco High, 2:21.51; 2, Adriana Cruz, Edinburg High, 2:26.73; 3, Angela Nuno Gutierrez, Edinburg North, 2:28.14; 4, Aaliyah Garza, Weslaco High, 2:30.78; 5, TIffany Borrego, PSJA North, 2:32.67; 6, Joyce Solanzo, Weslaco East, 2:33.60.

1600-meter run

1, Beth Ramos, Edinburg North, 5:14.00; 2, Bryana Rios, Edinburg North, 5:26.39; 3, Vianney Sanchez, Edinburg High, 5:27.15; 4, Janet Figueroa, Weslaco High, 5:29.64; 5, Angela Nuno Gutierrez, Edinburg North, 5:39.15; 6, Mayra Bernandro, Edinburg Economedes, 5:43.40.

100-meter hurdles

1, Esperanza Pedraza, Weslaco High, 16.61; 2, Bianca Garza, PSJA North, 17.18; 3, Audrey Franco, Edinburg Economedes, 17.34; 4, Samantha Rivera, PSJA North, 17.41; 5, Priscilla Sanchez, Edinburg North, 17.43; 6, Alyssa Flores, Weslaco East, 18.49.

300-meter hurdles

1, Esperanza Pedraza, Weslaco High, 48.79; 2, Lynnda Lozano, Edinburg North, 49.32; 3, Samantha Rivera, PSJA North, 51.36; 4, Karina Alfaro, Edinburg High, 51.69; 5, Priscilla Sanchez, Edinburg North, 52.37; 6, Audrey Franco, Edinburg Economedes, 52.52.

400-meter relay

1, Weslaco High, 49.98; 2, Weslaco East, 51.61; 3, PSJA Memorial, 51.74; 4, Edinburg High, 52.99; 5, PSJA North, 53.04; 6, Edinburg North, 53.46.

800-meter relay

1, Weslaco High, 1:47.07; 2, Edinburg High, 1:49.81; 3, Weslaco East, 1:51.17; 4, PSJA Memorial, 1:51.71; 5, Edinburg North, 1:52.52; 6, PSJA North, 1:54.64.

1600-meter relay

1, Weslaco High, 4:07.13; 2, Edinburg North, 4:17.36; 3, Edinburg High, 4:18.21; 4, PSJA Memorial, 4:25.26; 5, Edinburg Economedes, 4:25.30; 6, PSJA North, 4:28.90.

MORE: Complete results from District 31-6A field event finals

PSJA North boys, Weslaco High girls show well on first day of District 31-6A meet

BY JON R. LaFOLLETTE | STAFF WRITER

McALLEN — For Fabrizzio Gonzalez, the journey from an unknown talent to a budding standout lasted 54 minutes, the time it took for the Progreso sophomore to score his first goal Friday afternoon.

Goals were abundant for the Red Ants during their Class 4A regional semifinal match against Gonzales High School. Progreso ripped, routed and ran past the Apaches 8-1.

But it was the nimble and quick-footed Gonzalez, appearing in his first start, who spurred Progreso’s high-energy offense into today’s final against Giddings at 10 a.m. at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium. Gonzalez was a late-season JV callup and has only competed at the varsity level in five games.

“We knew about this dribbling, and we thought he would be effective against Gonzales’ defense,” Progreso coach Margarito Jimenez said. “We thought he would do a good job, and I guess we were right. He plays very cool, he keeps his composure and he was clicking on all cylinders.

Gonzalez finished as one of three Red Ants to score two goals, his second coming midway through the second half to make the score 5-0. But his ability to lead Progreso’s point of attack and instigate its offense separates him from teammates who are often as young as he is. The Red Ants boast a roster of 25 players with just six seniors.

Nonetheless, youth hasn’t stopped them from making this year the most successful in the program’s history. Friday’s win gives Progreso its 20th victory on the year — a program record for wins in a season — and Saturday will mark the team’s first trip to a regional final.

“It’s just something that happens,” Gonzalez said of his team’s success. “We’re big and fast, and we just go all out every time we’re out there. We’re just having fun with it.”

The fun for Progreso began 38 seconds into the game when Rogelio Zamora scurried past midfield and booted the ball into the net from about 20 yards out. Employing quickness and an aggressive style of play on both sides of the ball, they continued to pile on points with the same rapidity that has defined their postseason. Through four games, including Friday, the Red Ants have outscored opponents 22-1.

So dominant were the Red Ants with time of possession, a Gonzales coach gew flummoxed in the press box as he watched his team rarely advance the ball past midfield and get routinely dismantled on defense.

“Are we ever going to see the ball again?” he said.

Answer, yes. Better answer, it didn’t matter. Though Progreso gave up its first postseason goal with 8:16 left in the second half, it was a rare misstep during an afternoon in which the Red Ants’ swarming defense gave its opponent very little breathing room.

“We’ve got a group of kids that believe nothing can get through,” Jimenez said. “So when they believe that, along with my goalie, it’s a wall. That’s what they are out there, it’s a wall.”

Just as impressive as their talent is a sense of cohesion that permeates Progreso’s roster. Though players look to collect their share of goals — and these days there are plenty to go around — players act in unison on the pitch, barking out commands or relaying various assignments when needed.

It’s that dynamic that sophomore Omar Anguiano speaks to regarding his team’s success. Though he scored Progreso’s third and eighth goals, and admits to sometimes having tunnel vision with the ball in his possession, he knows what drives the Red Ants is something primal and apparent.

“We just like to win,” Anguiano said.

What’s good for the ant is good for the army, one that may soon be marching its way to the state meet.

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BY JON R. LaFOLLETTE | STAFF WRITER

McALLEN — Hidalgo coach Zeke Morales knows winning isn’t always determined by talent and know-how. Sometimes, it takes a little luck.

And while the Pirates spent the bulk of Friday’s Class 4A regional semifinal against Giddings controlling time of possession and receiving the lion’s share of shots on goal opportunities, it was the Buffaloes who prevailed, winning 1-0, with a 6-5 score during penalty kicks.

The loss marks the second year in a row in which Hidalgo saw its season conclude with a loss in the fourth round of the postseason.

“I think if we could go out anyway, I think this is the only way we could have gone out,” Morales said.

It’s fitting the game ended so dramatically and in highly contested fashion. The two teams played through 100 scoreless minutes at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium, all while trying to exert their strengths over the other. Though Hidalgo spent much of the game in Buffaloes territory, the Pirates rarely got a clear look at the goal.

For Giddings, their defensive strategy included patience, and clustering players in the backfield to clog passing lanes.

Hidalgo opened penalty kicks with three consecutive goals courtesy of Jesus Nino, Marco Garcia, and Filiberto Sustaita. All took aim at the lower right corner. Giddings began with a rough start and trailed 3-1 at one point after a Sergio Medina kick bounced off the top of the goal.

But Giddings goalie Alexis Hernandez would respond to Hidalgo’s attack, blocking three of the Pirates’ next six attempts while the Buffaloes found their stride, connecting with the net on their final four kicks to pull out the win.

“We practice that a lot, to read the body and the movements of the offensive players,” Giddings coach Pedro Eguez said. “He’s good at that. He’s been clutch for us. He’s been a big part of our success in the playoffs. When we’ve needed a goalie he’s been there for us, and he’s stepped up.

The walk-off goal came from Juan Gallardo, who sent the ball sailing past Hidalgo goalie Jose Ramirez with use of misdirection before the kick.

Upon defeat, some crestfallen Pirates fell to the turf, their tears mingling with rain drops put their by a brief afternoon rain shower. Meanwhile, the Buffaloes formed a celebratory dog pile, burying Gallardo with elevation.

“We knew we wanted to shoot on the bottom corners, just a regular penalty kick, and I know every one of my kids tried to do that, even the ones that missed,” Hidalgo coach Zeke Morales said. “In their hearts, I know they wanted to make those shots, but it’s a funny thing. When you step up, that goes from being a huge 12-foot goal to a very tiny square.”

Though the Pirates once again played in a high stakes game, many players on the roster were newcomers to such an atmosphere. Hidalgo graduated 15 seniors from last year’s team, calling up eight seniors from junior varsity to fill the void.

Midfielder Alek Macias, whose lone penalty kick was blocked, is one of 18 upperclassmen for the Pirates. Macias was among several Hidalgo players with a shot on goal, but as many times as the Giddings bent during regulation, it never surrendered a point.

“We gave our best, it just didn’t go the way we wanted it to go,” Macias said. “It was a tough game.”

Defensively, the task for Hidalgo was limiting Chris Orocio, Gidding’s top offensive threat with with 60 goals scored on the season. It appeared as if Hidalgo would make good on forward Andres Hernandez’ boast of holding Orocio without a goal, but the high-scoring forward eventually got his, scoring on a penalty kick to draw even with the Pirates 5-5, forcing sudden death.

“They did a fantastic job, they played their hearts out with the season we had,” Morales said. “We went undefeated in district, and here we are again with kids who have not been at this stage. It says a lot about them.”

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BY JON R. LaFOLLETTE | STAFF WRITER

MORE: View results from the first day of the 2016 District 31-6A Championships

PHARR — William Littelton is in his second month as coach of the PSJA North boys team, but the Raiders are already well-crafted in the image of their teacher.

North collected a trio of gold medals during the field event finals of the District 31-6A championships on Thursday at PSJA Stadium, the most of any boys team. Their first-day haul sets up the Raiders to contend for a district title during Saturday’s track finals.

The team’s podium-topping trifecta includes Raudel Alvarez, Ciro Hernandez and Michael Garza. Alvarez won the triple jump with a distance of 43 feet, 11.5 inches, while Hernandez brought home gold in the long jump (21-10.75).

But it was Garza who endured the longest afternoon in his quest for victory. The senior competed against Weslaco High’s Jon Zapata in a pole vault contest that ended in a jump off, the event’s equivalent to sudden death. It took 17 jumps before Garza cleared the bar at 13-06 and was declared district champion.

“I was getting a little tired,” Garza said. “But I was just trying to stay focused on what I had to do. It was so close between us two that I just had keep my mind in the moment.”

The top four finishers in each event automatically qualify for the area meet on April 21 and 23.
North will enter Saturday sitting third in the overall standings with 37 team points. Only 10 points separate first through fifth. PSJA Memorial holds the top spot with 43 points after a consistent afternoon in which the Wolverines scored in each of Thursday’s seven final events. No other team — boys or girls — matched Memorial’s feat.

Memorial’s only gold came from Michael Gonzalez, who set a new PSJA ISD record and Valley’s best in the discuss with a throw of 178-00.

While the boys competition could come down to the mile relay, the final event of the meet, the girls will in all likelihood be dominated by Weslaco High. The Lady Panthers earned three gold medals and hold a 19-point lead over Edinburg Economedes that will likely balloon during Saturday’s competition.

Cierra Gonzalez overcame inconsistencies in the discus to claim first on her final throw with a new personal record of 128-02. Gonzalez won despite committing a foot foul and throwing no better than 119-01 on her four prior throws.

“I’ve just been going over my technique and adding some new things to get me ready,” Gonzalez said. “I’ve learned to be patient as I throw. The disc is always going to come out fast, but I don’t always have to be fast as I throw it. I’m just learning to take my time and focus.”

Sydney Salinas set a new district record during the pole vault, clearing the bar at 11-07, beating the previous record by one inch. Sophomore Eleanor Arndt won the long jump with a mark of 17-05.75 and won silver in the high jump with a height of 5-00.

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District 31-6A Championships Results

April 7, 2016

Psja Stadium, Pharr

*Top four finishers automatically advance to the area meet

Boys

Track Events

3200-Meter run

1, Jayven Cordova, Weslaco East, 9:42.10; 2, Cruz Gomez, PSJA Memorial, 9:47.26; 3, Aldo Nava, Edinburg North, 9:48.19; 4, Joshua Doria, Edinburg North, 9:49.51; 5, Bryan Vela, Weslaco East, 9:50.28; 6, Luis Ramirez, Weslaco East, 9:53.69.

Field Events

Shot put

1, Gaston Cortina, Edinburg North, 54-09; 2, Jonathan Banda, Weslaco East, 49-11; 3, Mike Gonzalez, PSJA Memorial, 47-00; 4, Jordan Nichols, Weslaco High, 46-02; 5, Baldemar Hinojosa, Edinburg North, 45-03; 6, Jacob Banda, Weslaco East, 44-06.5.

Discus

1, Mike Gonzalez, PSJA Memorial, 178-00; 2, Jonathan Banda, Weslaco East, 154-03; 3, Alexis Alvarez, Edinburg Economedes, 142-04; 4, Jorge Ayala, Edinburg High, 142-01; 5, Jesse Treviño, Weslaco East, 137-11; 6, Mark Ayala, Edinburg High, 134-07.

Long Jump

1, Ciro Hernandez, PSJA North, 21-10.75; 2, Pete Segura, Edinburg Economedes, 21-04; 3, Alexander Lara, Weslaco High, 21-03.75; 4, Rolando Montemayor, Weslaco East, 20-09.75; 5, Gustavo Vasquez, Edinburg Economedes, 20-09.5; 6, Jose Cabral, PSJA Memorial, 20-05.5.

Triple Jump

1, Raudel Alvarez, PSJA North, 43-11.5; 2, Gustavo Vasquez, Edinburg Economedes, 43-06.75; 3, Josue Garcia, PSJA North, 42-08; 4, Vicente Rodriguez, PSJA Memorial, 40-07.25; 5, Edgar Vazquez, Edinburg Economedes, 40-05; 6, Nick Mora, Weslaco High, 39-11.

High Jump

1, Justice Free, Weslaco High, 6-04; 2, Pete Segura, Edinburg Economedes, J6-04; 3, Christian Garza, PSJA Memorial, 6-00; 4, Joey Castillo, PSJA Memorial, J6-00; 5, Nick Mora, Weslaco High, 5-10; 6, Ricky Arrendondo, Edinburg Economedes, 5-08.

Pole Vault

1, Michael Garza, PSJA North, 13-06; 2, Jon Zapata, Weslaco High, J13-06; 3, Josh Lozano, Edinburg Economedes, 13-00; 4, Bryan Pedraza, PSJA Memorial, J13-00; 5, Vance Ellis, Weslaco High, 12-06; 6, Nathan Salinas, PSJA North, 12-00.

Girls

Track Events

3200-Meter run

1, Beth Ramos, Edinburg North, 11:34.70; 2, Janet Figueroa, Weslaco High, 11:41; 3, Bryana Rios, Edinburg North, 11:52.17; 4, Vianney Sanchez, Edinburg High, 12:01.36; 5, Mayra Bernardo, Edinburg Economedes, 12:09.57; 6, Daniela De La Cruz, Edinburg Economedes, 12:21.35.

Field Events

Shot put

1, Brittany Cantu, Edinburg Economedes, 33-04; 2, Jazmin Cortez, PSJA North, 33-01; 3, Silvia Perez, Edinburg Economedes, 32-09; 4, Ciera Gonzalez, Weslaco High, 31-07; 5, Jennifer Galvan, Edinburg High, 31-01; 6, Annette Loera, Edinburg High, 31-00.

Discus

1, Ciera Gonzalez, Weslaco High, 128-02; 2, Brittany Cantu, Edinburg Economedes, 126-02; 3, Briana Gonzalez, Weslaco High, 120-05; 4, Jazmin Cortez, PSJA North, 120-02; 5, Landry Muñoz, Weslaco East, 106-01; 6, Silvia Perez, Edinburg Economedes.

Long Jump

1, Eleanor Arndt, Weslaco High, 17-05.75; 2, Abriana Saenz, Edinburg North, 16-04.25; 3, Tiffany Borrego, PSJA North, 15-11.5; 4, Jayla Santa Maria, Edinburg High, 15-05.5; 5, Carla Muro-Lopez, PSJA North, 15-05; 6, Monique Rodriguez, Edinburg Economedes, 15-02.5.

Triple Jump

1, Danielle Burget, Weslaco East, 34-11.5; 2, Abriana Saenz, Edinburg North, 34-08.75; 3, Monique Rodriguez, Edinburg Economedes, 33-03.25; 4, Chya Woodard, Edinburg High, 33-01; 5, Marixa Viera, Edinburg Economedes, 32-08.75; 6, Charlene Garcia, Edinburg Economedes, 32-06.5.

High Jump

1, Jayla Santa Maria, Edinburg High, 5-01; 2, Eleanor Arndt, Weslaco High, 5-00; 3, Alyssa Flores, Weslaco East, 4-10; 4, Tera Porter, PSJA Memorial, J4-10; 5, Charlene Garcia, Edinburg Economedes, J4-10; 6, Natalie Martinez, Edinburg High, 4-08.

Pole Vault

1, Sydney Salinas, Weslaco High, 11-07; 2, Carolina Carrillo, PSJA North, 10-00; 3, Kimberly Castro, PSJA North, 9-00; 4, Victoria Barrios, PSJA Memorial, 8-06; 5, Ava Perez, Weslaco High, 8-00; 6, Esperanza Pedraza, Weslaco High, J8-00.