Marble Falls boys track sets fastest times, Goggans advances to state

CAPTION: Marble Falls sophomore Graham Goggans (right) on the podium of the 800 meters with China Spring sophomore Camden Paden (left) and Salado junior Daniel Anderson. Courtesy photo

Marble Falls High School sophomore Graham Goggans will compete in the 800 meters at the Class 4A state meet, ensuring three runners from the Class 4A Region III meet are at the starting line in two weeks.

Goggan took bronze in the 800 meters in 1 minute and 54.49 seconds behind Salado junior Daniel Anderson, who won gold in 1:53.24 and China Spring sophomore Camden Paden, who took silver in 1:54.46. Anderson’s time ranks in the top 25 and Goggan and Paden’s times rank in the top 50 in the state.

“(Goggans) earned the wildcard with the fastest non-automatic qualifying time across all regions (among the bronze medalists) and gets to go to state,” distance running coach Brenda Gonzalez said.

She pointed out what made the difference in the outcome.

“Graham went out a little too fast that first 400 (meters), and it cost him some over the last 200,” she said, “but he still ran 1:54.49 — his second-best time — and just missed second by a lean at the line. That says a lot about him.”

She added that the sophomore has come a long way in 12 months.

“Last year at this time he was running 1:57, so the growth has been huge,” the coach said. “We’ve got a few things to adjust, but I’m really proud of him and excited for the opportunity.”

CAPTION: Marble Falls junior Anthony Griffin keeps his form as he follows the pattern to run the 110-meter high hurdles at the Class 4A Region III meet May 1. Photo by Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography

The season ended for juniors Anthony Griffin and Owen Martin and freshman Joaquim Edwards.

Edwards was seventh in the 1,600 meters in 4:32.70 and sixth in the 3,200 meters in 9:52.52. Owen was fifth in the 3,200 meters in 9:48.09. All three times were new personal records for each Mustang.

“I’m so proud of those two,” the coach said. “They both went sub-10 for the first time. Owen has had a tremendous season, growing in his leadership and belief in himself. Joaquim, as a freshman, has been incredible — he works like a veteran and competes with a lot of heart. I’ve really enjoyed coaching both of them.” 

Griffin took the eighth and last qualifying spot from the preliminaries in the 110-meter high hurdles thanks to clocking 15.50 seconds, 0.01 faster than Salado sophomore Chase Adams, who finished in 15.51.

In the final, Griffin finished sixth in 14.97 to set a new personal record.

As she thought back to the weekend, Gonzalez described it in one word.

“Proud,” she said. “I love these athletes. Every single one of them showed up, competed, and left it all out there. We had (personal records) across the board and two moving on to state. But more than anything, they represented our program the right way. And the best part — they’re all underclassmen. The future is really bright, and I’m grateful I get to coach them.”

The state meet is Thursday, May 14, at Mike A. Myers Stadium on the University of Texas at Austin campus.

CAPTION: Junior Owen Martin (left) and freshman Joaquim Edwards are upholding the tradition of Mustang distance running that has been strong for the last two decades. Courtesy photo