FREDDY GONZALEZ | Staff Writer
Harlingen’s Art Benavides is an athlete many coaches in track and field are familiar with. His impressive resume in the 1600 meters and 3200 meter competition have made him unavoidable on the track, but it’s his performances in the 800 meters that have turned many heads.
Prior to the District 32-6A meet, Benavides placed first in the 800m at the Harlingen Relays, Mid-Valley Classic, and Meet of Champions. However, what he did at district is something no other male athlete at Harlingen High has ever done. He was first in the 3200 meter, first in the 800 meter and first in the 1600 meter; making him the first to do so in school history.
“Art has had a great season and has been one of the team leaders all year,” said Harlingen head coach Efrain Ambriz. “At district I challenged him to bring back three gold medals and he willingly accepted and became the first in school history to sweep the distance events.
“I couldn’t be more proud of his work ethic and the time he and our distance coach Eder Ramos put in everyday.”
Next up for Benavides is the area meet which will be held at PSJA on Thursday.