By Mireya Quintana, CCAISD
The top athletes from across Region II met at Legrand Stadium in San Angelo, Texas to compete for the top two spots in order to advance to the State Championships in Austin on May 6th-8th, 2021.
The Van Horn Eagles competed in prelims and finals, but it was Elijah Gains who advanced to State with a silver medal in the high jump. This will be Van Horn’s first male state qualifier in the high jump in more than 30 years. Jaymie Sanchez will be representing the Lady Eagles after winning a bronze medal in the 400m dash. Bronze medalists across the state in each region have a chance to win the “wildcard” spot. After a long four-hour wait, Jaymie got the call that she was going to state. Good luck to both Jaymie and Elijah!
Other participants at Regionals – Girls: Iris Urias – Long Jump, Amaya Garibay and Ashlee Robinson – Discus Throw, Sarah Allen, Iris Urias, Ivette Bermudez, and Allison Bailey – 1600m Relay. Regional Boys: Nate Yglecias, Felipe Gonzales, Elijah Gaines, and Caleb Hinojos – 400m Relay, Nate Yglecias, Felipe Gonzales, Cy Garcia, and Elijah Gaines 8th place – 800m Relay, Emilio Tarango – Discus Throw and Shot Put Throw, Elijah Gaines 40’, ¼” for 8th place – Triple Jump.
Coach Maze said, “Although this track season ended for most of our Eagles, Elijah Gaines and Jaymie Sanchez live to jump and run for one last event: The State Track Meet in Austin, Texas! Elijah was ranked 3rd in the high jump going into the Regional Meet. We knew it was going to be tough to clinch the top two seeing as two jumpers jumped a 6’2 while Gaines’s personal best is 6’. It was clear that he could not miss one single attempt if he wanted a shot at State. Not only did Gaines have the least scratches when it came down to the final four, he also jumped a personal best of 6’2 to secure his trip to Austin! It’s always a pleasure to see athletes rise to a challenge and come out triumphant! See you in Austin, Gaines!”
Coach Garcia said, “Jaymie Sanchez will also be joining Elijah at the State Meet, but as a runner! Jaymie secured the 3rd place spot in the 400m Dash for our region, but her time of 62.76 won her a ticket to Austin as the wild card, which is the fastest time out of all 3rd place runners in the state. As a senior, this is Jaymie’s first year running track! Her hard work and dedication have definitely paid off. This will be the first year that we have both male and female athletes competing at the state meet. Time to start the State tradition again. Way to go Jaymie and Elijah!”
