FREDDY GONZALEZ | Staff Writer
The Lyford and Santa Rosa track & field programs took to the track and performed well at the 32/31 area meet held at Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s Javelina Stadium on Wednesday.
One of the teams sending a strong contingency to the regional meet is the Lyford girls, led by freshman Samantha Delgado, who finished first in the 200-meter with a time of 27.09 and second in the 100 with a mark of 13.24. She also took silver in the long jump with a height of 15-10.50. In total the freshman will compete in four events, including the 4×100-meter relay.
Other notable standouts for the Lady Bulldogs were sophomore Summer Castro and senior Adrianna Liserio. Castro won gold in the discus (93-06.75) and second in shot put with a throw of 31-08.75. Liserio, meanwhile, won a first-place medal in the 300-meter hurdles (52.46) and fourth in the 100-meter hurdles (18.28).
“The girls performed great at area and I’m super proud of all of their hard work this season,” said Lyford girls track coach Marisa Chapa. “Consistency has been key to our success. All of our girls work hard everyday at practice with no complains and no excuses.”
On the boys side, Lyford qualified a total of 12 athletes with three in the discus event.
“The kids competed and fought the entire day. I’m proud of their efforts and consistency all year long,” said Lyford boys track coach Jaime Guerra. “David Lopez in the discus is a prime example of fighting and competing with every opportunity. He squeaked into area with fourth place at district, and came out and outworked others again for a regional spot.
“Here in Lyford our kids don’t believe in luck. Our kids believe that luck is when preparation meets opportunity, and our kids prepare day in and day out.”
Santa Rosa also fared well at area, sending nine girls and six boys to regionals.
The Warriors’ John Vasquez and Alex Ayala won first-place medals. Vazquez won the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.13 while Ayala won the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 41.72.
The Class 3A regional meet is set for April 28-29 at D.W. Rutledge Stadium in Converse.