The UIL State Track and Field Championships kicked off with a silver lining for El Paso athletes, as Clint’s Matthew Portillo and Andress’ Jordan Owens each secured second-place finishes in the Class 4A pole vault and Class 5A long jump, respectively. This strong start set the tone for a competitive three-day event held at Mike Myers Stadium, where athletes from across Texas vied for glory.

The action unfolded from Thursday, May 14, through Saturday, May 16, with Class 4A competing first, followed by 5A on Friday, and 6A wrapping up the meet. El Paso brought a solid contingent of 11 individual competitors and three relay teams, all aiming to make their mark on the state stage.

In the hurdles, Clint’s Emmanuel Navarette delivered a respectable sixth-place finish in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 14.75 seconds, showcasing the depth of talent from the region. Meanwhile, the Chapin girls’ 4x100 relay team—comprising Ambrielle Buckley, Sianna Butler, Aahniyah Clayton, and Laurin Gardner—ran a 46.45 to claim seventh place, demonstrating grit in a highly competitive field.

The Canutillo boys’ 4x400 relay team turned heads with a bronze-medal performance, clocking in at 3:15.62. The quartet of Giovanni Vaquera, Adrian Lopez, Shane Christiansen, and David Rivas showed impressive teamwork and endurance to secure third place. On the girls’ side, Franklin’s 4x400 relay squad—featuring Sumaya Chavez, Chloe Rains, Samaya Scranton, and McKenzie Martin Collins—also competed, adding to the excitement of the meet.

For fans of high school athletics, these performances highlight the rising stars from El Paso, proving that hard work and dedication pay off under the bright lights of the state championships. Whether you’re tracking your own training goals or cheering from the stands, moments like these remind us why we love the sport.