Faith Academy track returns to regional podium, ready for state

The Faith Academy of Marble Falls girls track team is the Class 3A Region South runner-up thanks to some outstanding performances during the meet April 25-26.

“We have given ourselves a chance at state to get on the podium again,” head coach Steve McCannon said. “I am really proud of how the girls competed as a team. Earning second place to a strong (Tomball) Rosehill team gives us confidence as we head to state. (Assistant coaches Cedric) Griffin and (Jay) Silvers have done an outstanding job getting athletes ready for when it counts.”

Tomball Rosehill won the meet with 155.5 points, while Faith Academy earned 85 and Temple Central Texas Christian was third with 55.5.

Lady Flame Sidney Solomon showed the intensity of the regional meet didn’t bother her thanks to earning a silver in the high jump and bronze in the 100-meter hurdles.

“Sidney is a strong freshman,” McCannon said.

Few athletes epitomize the department’s fighting spirit more than senior Morgan Weems, who earned silver in the shot put with a heave of 36 feet and 10.5 inches.

“Morgan had a big throw to finish second,” the coach said. “I think at state she can set a new personal record and end her career going out with her best.“

McCannon pointed to the 400-meter relay to illustrate the depth and strength at the meet. The Lady Flames clocked 52.34 seconds, an encouraging time that would have put the team on the podium in other years.

“The 4×100 was near our school record,” he said. “And all that gets you is fourth. We will look to get the school record at state and aim for a medal. “

He was proud of the 800-meter relay team, noting the Lady Flames looked confident, no matter who was on the track.

As for the boys, Andrew Huoy and Beau Steele will earned their tickets to the state meet. Huoy is running the 400 meters.

“Andrew is strong,” McCannon said. “Big win for Beau in the 800. I think if it weren’t for the wind, he would have the school record. I think he will get under 2 minutes at state and be in contention.”

McCannon noted athletes faced another opponent that may have factored into the results.

“This was a very competitive regional meet in windy conditions,” he said. “We were blessed to avoid the thunderstorms in the area. We had some disappointments but also some clutch performances as well.”

As the athletes turn their attention to the Class 3A state meet, which is Friday and Saturday, May 3-4, at the Hart-Patterson Track Complex is Waco, the coach noted the veterans have a shot at earning a team plaque.

“I am happy for the seniors,” he said. “They get a shot at getting on the podium and having a nice ending together at state. We look forward to state and continuing the tradition. We work hard and compete.”

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RESULTS

Class 3A Region South meet

Boys

400 — 3, Andrew Huoy, 53.64; 800 — 1, Beau Steele, 2:02.10;

4×400 — 6, Faith Academy (Andrew Huoy, Noah Frederick, Seattle Hampton, Beau Steele, William Slyker, Asher Apel), 3:48.86

Girls

200 — 7, Haley Kruger, 29.07; 400 — 7, Carly Owens, 1:09.19; 800 — 3, Claire Poage, 2:41.22, 5, Taelyn Wendt, 2:46.00; 7, Reese Ramsey, 2:52.97; 3,200 — 6, McKlayne Apel, 14:27.57; 100 hurdles — 3, Sidney Solomon, 17.23; 300 hurdles — 8, Sidney Solomon, 56.80; 4×100 — 4, Faith Academy (Charlee Ehrig, Kenley Virdell, Anabelle Merlick, Haley Kruger, Ava Beltran, Carly Owens), 52.34; 4×200 — 4, Faith Academy (Charlee Ehrig, Kenley Virdell, Anabelle Merlick, Haley Kruger, Ava Beltran, Zoe Rhoads, Claire Poage), 1:53.45; 4×400 — 2, Faith Academy (Anabelle Merlick, Sidney Solomon, Carley Owens, Zoe Rhoads, Reese Ramsey, Claire Poage, Ava Beltran), 4:26.33; long jump — 7, Haley Kruger, 15-08.5; triple jump — 7, Sidney Solomon, 32-01.5; high jump — 2, Sidney Solomon, 4-10; shot put — 2, Morgan Weems, 36-10.5; pole vault — 7, Claire Poage, 8-06