“I’m still in shock. I had so much faith in us, but going into the race it was honestly so scary. I just can’t believe it right now. The race is over and I still can’t believe it,” Laine Lowry said.
With the entire stadium filled with fans, Laine Lowry, Brooke Robertson, Taylor Mueller, and Cassi Hargroves took to the track at Mike A. Meyers Stadium at the University of Texas at Austin to compete against a field of eight other teams for the first place title in the Girls 4x400M Relay race. First up to the starting block was Robertson who gave the girls a lead against their competitors when she handed the baton to Lowry. After the first handoff, the opposing teams were able to make a gain on the Argyle team but Lowry was able to pull ahead and have a successful handoff to Hargroves. Hargroves maintained the lead for the third lap and passed the baton to Mueller to finish off the race. After Mueller began her lap, the three girls waited anxiously watching and cheering on their teammate but as Mueller hit the final 100 meter stretch, it was clear who the winner was.
As Mueller passed the finish line with a time of 3:56:7 she erupted in emotion. As soon as the girls realized they had just won the State Championship title, overcome with joy they cried and hugged one another, for what they have always dreamed of had finally come true. After celebrating together, the four girls immediately ran to the edge of the bleachers where they hugged Coach Kathi Olson, the person they credit for all their success.
“The thing about Olson is that she’s also our best friend, she’s one of us. So we did it for her,” Lowry said.
As soon as the race was over the girls went to an awards ceremony were they were awarded their gold medals. With their energy still high, the girls just really wanted to celebrate it with their family. After the ceremony they were immediately surrounded by friends and family who were just as excited and proud as they were.
The excitement of winning first at a state level is something that will never be forgotten, but for spectators who were able to watch the four girls run will never forget the happiness of the girls after the race.
“It’s just really hard to express in words right now, I’m just speechless. I can’t stop smiling,” Hargroves said.
The U.I.L State Track Meet was an eventful weekend not only for the girls 4x400M team but also Reese Thompson who was also able to end Saturday with a gold medal. After placing sixth in Pole Vault, Thompson immediately prepared to compete in the Men’s 110 meter hurdles. As soon as the gun went off for the race, Thompson held the lead against close competition.
“I could hear one of them creepin’ behind me,” Thompson said.
Thompson finished with a time of 14.12 seconds earning him the first place medal. After being awarded his gold medal on the podium overlooking the Austin skyline, Thompson was surrounded by family and friends, including his coach for several years who taught him his technique for hurdles. For most seniors, the trip to Austin for state ends there, however being a University of Texas at Austin track and field commit, Thompson will hopefully be able to have the same success in the state capitol next year.
The state championship meet began Friday with the girls 3200
meter run for Argyle. Early Friday morning, Annamarie Woolums was lead onto the track in a line with the other competitors for her race. As soon as the gun went off, Woolums maintained a steady pace and was able to keep pushing with the cheers of many family members who sat in the front row of the stands. Woolums finished the race in seventh place with a time of 11:52:59.
Also competing Friday but later in the afternoon was vaulter, Laura Lotze. Lotze was cheered on by family and teammates, including Reese Thompson who was there to support the girls side of vaulting for Argyle. Lotze made it to the second round height where she finished with a seventh place finish.
After the hard work and dedication of the entire season for these athletes, their journey to state was well deserved. It was an event that these athletes and others will never forget.
