The excitement of the Regional Track Meet electrified Javelina Stadium at Texas A & M Kingsville as the regional finals unfolded on April 18 and 19. Track fans gathered to witness outstanding performances, among which the Cuero Lady Gobblers and Gobblers showcased some serious talent.
One of the standout performances came from Paisley Janssen, who dazzled the crowd with a remarkable jump of 5’5” in the high jump. This not only earned her a gold medal but also secured her a coveted spot at the upcoming State Championships. Janssen's achievement exemplifi es the hard work and dedication she has put into the sport inspiring young athletes. Also making his first appearance at regionals, was David Leinen who finished the meet in 7th. “I am extremely proud of both Paisley and David and the way they competed at the regional meet. Both represented what it truly means to be a Gobbler,” Coach Doug Patek commented about the high jumpers.
Adding to the Lady Gobblers' accolades, the 4x100 meter relay team comprised of Mauricinae Walker, Emeree Dasilva, Mauryana Dasilva, and Taryn Gayle delivered a stellar performance, clinching a silver medal with a time of 49.93 seconds. This achievement granted the team a journey to the State Championships, further highlighting the collective effort among the athletes.
While the gold and silver medals sparked cheers, the regional meet also saw commendable performances from other team members. In the shot put event, Aaliyah Farris finished 11th, while Ella Jander was close behind in 13th. Both athletes showcased their strength and determination.
In the discus throw, Farris placed 10th, demonstrating her versatility, alongside Connor Kubesch, who achieved an 8th place finish. Meanwhile, in the pole vault, Jake Janssen landed in 9th, marking his contribution to the team’s collective efforts. The CHS athletes also delivered impressive results in the long jump, with Jossiah Taylor finishing 8th and M. Dasilva taking 6th place.
The relay teams continued to demonstrate the strength of camaraderie with the 4x200 relay team securing 3rd place. Caidence Grahmann, E. Dasilva, M. Dasilva, and Gayle ran impressively, further showcasing their speed as they contributed to the Lady Gobblers’ overall point total.
Walker also completed the 300 hurdles, ending her competition in 8th place, while the 4x400 relay team, comprised of Grahmann, Gayle, Janssen, and Walker, finished 7th, rounding out a strong showing from the entire team.
In the overall standings, the Cuero Lady Gobblers finished 4th with a total of 39 points. They stood out against formidable competition, including Fredericksburg, which scored 80 points to claim first place.
The regional finals at Javelina Stadium showcased the grit, talent, and teamwork of the Cuero High School athletes, setting the stage for an exciting future as they head to the State Championships with confidence and ambition. The U.I.L Track and Field State Championships will be held May 1 – May 3 at the Mike A. Myers Track and Soccer Stadium at the University of Texas in Austin. Janssen will compete in the High Jump at 9:00 a.m. May 1, with the 4x100 Relay beginning at 5:00 p.m. Track enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing their journey as they continue to strive for excellence.
