University Star

The Texas State track team returns from Baylor flaunting two gold medals earned at the Dr Pepper Classic. The Bobcats also bettered numerous personal records and recorded top-five finishes. 

“It was a solid day for the team,” Coach Dana Boone said. “There were a lot of good things that happened, especially in the field events and middle distances.”

The first gold medal was awarded to senior Elena Horn for clearing 3.95 meters in the pole vault to take first. Her mark was .10 meters away from her personal record, and it was her second time to win gold this outdoor season.

Following Horn was teammate Anicka Newell with 3.65 meters, who placed second for the first time in her career. The second Bobcat to take first was senior Michael Morris.

Morris dominated the 5,000-meter run, winning 26 seconds earlier than any of his opponents. His time of 14:50.68 also improved on his own record by 24 seconds and earned him his first gold medal of the outdoor season. 

“It was great considering that all year I’ve been getting out-kicked in the last 100 meters, so to actually win a race was really good,” he said.

This week, Morris will be training to compete in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the Bobcat Classic.

“I’m hoping to set a school record,” he said. “I’ve been trying for four years now and I’m only a few seconds away. I have a friend actually coming to help me run it so hopefully that will get me the record finally.”

Sandra Venegas, senior distance runner, and Chante’sean White, junior hurdler, recorded personal records. Venegas improved her time by 31 seconds when she finished 17:14.56 in the 5,000-meter run. She earned second place for her time and is within grasp of the Texas State record, only three seconds away.

Venegas said the practice style this year has helped her improve.

“Practice has been going really well,” she said. “The longer workouts are more relatable for my races.”

Venegas thought the team did well at Baylor, besides her performance in the 5,000-meter.

“As a whole, across the board we did really awesome,” she said. “We made a lot of major PRs and it’s going to bring us confidence.”

The Bobcats will end their season at home this year, as they host their final conference meet this weekend. The Southland Conference Outdoor Championship will follow the Bobcat Classic two weeks later.

Both events will take place in the new track and field stadium, and Boone urges fans to watch as the team showcases its final performances of the season.

“It’s going to be a great meet,” she said. “This is our last home meet, our last competition before conference. This is our last time to prepare. We hope everybody comes out, watches and gives us a lot of support.”