Convenience Big Store: At the track: Expect some sizzling speeds and results at regional meets

April 18, 2024

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At the track: Expect some sizzling speeds and results at regional meets

The place to be this Friday and Saturday are the UIL regional track meets.

Turner Stadium in Humble is site to catch the best runners Region III has to offer in both Class 6A and 5A.

If you're willing to travel, Waco Midway High School is the destination for Region II's hopefuls in 6A to make it state (as well as a few in Class 3A).

Class 4A runners from Houston will travel to Bullard High School, which is south of Tyler.

What's immediately at stake Saturday is the top-two finishers in each event advancing to the UIL state meet at Mike A. Myers Track Stadium. A wild card from each event — the next-best top time after all regions are combined — will also make the trip to Austin May 2-4.

After the area meets last week, here are the top girls and boys event leaders in Houston heading into Friday.

Track athletes to watch for

Bello rings up golds: Cinco Ranch standout Kevin Bello grinded out a 400-meter gold medal win in the District 19-6A/20-6A area championships last Friday at Paetow High. Bello also won a gold in the 100 and came in a close second in the 200.

Shot putter Schirck: One of the top high school shot putters in the nation resides at Friendswood High. Brandon Schirck, who's looking to qualify for the Class 5A state meet for a third time, is next in line to throw at the University of Texas, known for its elite throwers. The youngest of four kids in his family, Schirck was motivated to make a name for himself and earn a college scholarship.

Quick like Katy: Fresh off winning the District 19-6A/20-6A area team championship last week, the Katy girls track and field team looks to make noise at this week's Region III-6A meet. A plethora of record-breaking performances individually occurred at the area meet and the Tigers will be sending all three relays to the regional meet.

Note to coaches: Submit scores and stats on game nights by emailing hssports@houstonchronicle.com.

Follow all our coverage at houstonchronicle.com/highschoolsports.

Rob Tate, Deputy High School Sports Coordinator

rtate@houstonchronicle.com

Athlete of the Week

Congratulations to Memorial softball player Elise Adams, who was voted Girls Athlete of the Week. Adams slugged three homers and drove in four RBIs all while pitching nine innings with 11 strikeouts and no earned runs allowed in wins over Cypress Ridge and Jersey Village.

Congratulations to Klein Oak baseball player Makoy Stone, who was voted Boys Athlete of the Week. Stone, a UT-Permian Basin commit, pitched a no-hitter last Tuesday with eight strikeouts and had four hits and three RBIs during a District 15-6A series sweep of Waller.

Check Monday's newsletter for a new set of polls.

Shout out

Jersey Village alumna headed to WNBA

Jersey Village alum Kaylynne Truong was the No. 21 pick of the WNBA draft this past Monday night. The former Gonzaga standout is heading to the Washington Mystics. Before earning plenty of accolades in college with the Bulldogs, Truong was a standout for Jersey Village under head coach Tamara Collier, helping the team to a 33-3 record during her senior season in 2019.

Stat of the day

.769: Last week's batting average of former Bridgeland softball standout Trinity Allen, who was named NJCAA Division I Player of the Week. Allen totaled three homers, two triples and a double while driving in 13 runs for McLennan Community College in Waco. Allen was a part of last year's state tournament run for the Bears.