Burnet track takes 2nd at Gatesville
CAPTION: The Bulldogs’ 1,600-meter relay team is Hector Vega-Palacios (left), Lyndon Harycki, Matthew Williams and Clay Lamb. Photo by Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography
The Burnet High School track and field teams each finished second at the Gatesville Hornets Relays Feb. 19 in the first meet of the year.
The Bulldogs earned 99 points thanks to 60 coming from by all three relay teams taking gold, edging rival Lampasas in the 400 meters and 800 meters. While winning first in all three events is impressive, what stood out to head coach Jordan Heusinkveld is that some athletes stepped in to compete when their teammates were committed to other activities.
He noted senior Matthew Williams “dropped his open 200 race to fill a spot” on the 1,600-meter relay. He along with Clay Lamb and Lyndon Harycki ran in all three relays and produced.
“These upperclassmen did a phenomenal job,” Heusinkveld said. “We were able to post a very impressive early season 43.53 time. Those kids love to compete and have been such an enjoyable group to coach. They are highly competitive.
Sophomore Caden Farmer took silver in the 100-meter dash in 11.87 seconds.
“Even with a rocky start, he was able to get back on pace and finish second overall,” Heusinkveld said. “He is running well for a sophomore on varsity. We are excited to see how his season turns out.”
The distance runners also returned with medals. Sophomore Clark Yanez won the 3,200 meters in 10:32.91, while senior Nathan Torres was the highlight in the field events by taking silver in the shot put with heave of 42 feet and 4.5 inches.
“Our distance kids did phenomenal,” Heusinkveld said. “Nate is an explosive athlete in the ring and utilizes his quickness and explosiveness to beat heavier throwers.”
Lady Dawgs head coach Crystal Shipley was equally enthusiastic about her athletes.
“I’m proud of all of our girls, especially the ones practicing before and after school,” she said. “Some are doing multiple events in track and others still competing in powerlifting, soccer and softball.”
The Lady Dawgs were led by seniors Wrigley Mulhollan and Asah Roy.
Mulhollan won gold in the 100-meter hurdles in 16.89 seconds.
“Wrigley is such an amazing kid,” Shipley said. “She works extremely hard for everything she earns. It’s so exciting to see her win her first race of the season. She’s determined to finish her track career with the best season yet.”
Roy took bronze in the 800 meters in 2:28.78 and silver in the 1,600 meters in 5:37.65.
“Another extremely talented, hard working senior, who has led this program for four years,” Shipley said. “She is also determined to finish her Lady Dawg career with a bang.”
Freshman Landry Schubert took bronze in the triple jump with a mark of 33-7.5.
“Landry just has that dawg in her,” Shipley said. “She has high expectations for herself, and I know she will do everything to get back to her best.”
Burnet will compete at the Lago Vista Relays Thursday, Feb. 26.
CAPTION: The Lady Dawgs 1,600-meter relay team includes Brooklynn Dawes (left), Brianne Smith, Cali Eason and Izabelle Thompson. Photo by Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography
