AUSTIN – Atlanta just needed one point in the final event (4 x 400 relay) to win the UIL 3A Girls Track & Field State Championship Friday night at Michael Myers Stadium on the campus of the University of Texas.
The Lady Rabbits finished fifth in that final race, finishing with 54 points to edge East Bernard’s 50.
Atlanta’s girls were in a hole early, not scoring in the field events. The Rabbs soared into second place after winning the 4 x 100 relay in 48.26. Members of that gold medal group were Kitty Andrews, Jennifer Easter, Keyona Easter and Sheveonia Smith.
Ward wins silver for Atlanta in 1600
The title was in sight after the same four girls won the 4 x 200 relay in chilly weather conditions with a time of 1:42.64. They clinched a share of the title when Smith hurdled her way to gold in the 300s in a photo finish. Smith was clocked at 44.56, while Reagan Johnson of Karnes City earned silver in 44.58.
Obvious inspired by the Lady Rabbs’ performance, a fifth seeded Dagen Ward finished second in the 1600 meters in 4:29.29. He was the only runner to seriously challenge winner Evan Shannon of Sonora, who was nearly four seconds in front of Ward.