HARKER HEIGHTS – The Temple Wildcat freshman track and field team capped off their season with a powerhouse performance on Wednesday, securing a 2nd Place team finish at the District 12-6A Track & Field Championships. Competing under the lights at Harker Heights Football Stadium, the Wildcats tallied 133 points to finish ahead of host Harker Heights (107) and just behind district champion Killeen Shoemaker (159).
The meet served as the season finale, and Temple made sure to leave everything on the track and in the pits.
Tolbert IV Dominates the Field
The story of the day was undoubtedly Leon Tolbert IV, who put on a masterclass in versatility and speed. Tolbert IV secured four gold medals, sweeping the individual sprint events and claiming the top spot in the high jump. He took 1st Place in the 100 meters (11.28), the 200 meters (23.27), and the 400 meters (51.31), while clearing 5’6 to win the High Jump. He also added a silver medal to his haul with a massive 20’7 leap in the Long Jump.
Medalists and Top Performers
Temple’s depth was on full display with several athletes reaching the podium:
Austyn Shuster earned two bronze medals, finishing 3rd in both the 110 hurdles (18.08) and the 300 hurdles (46.67).
Anthony Ramos sprinted to a 3rd Place finish in the 100 meters (11.73).
Dennis Gibson secured 3rd Place in the 200 meters (24.14).
Mehki Austin took 3rd Place in the High Jump, clearing 5’5.
The Relay Teams were instrumental in the team standings, with the 4x200 relay taking 2nd Place (1:34.16), while the 4x100 (45.30) and 4x400 (3:47.07) squads both secured 3rd Place finishes.
Complete Wildcat Results
Running Events
100 Meters: Leon Tolbert IV (1st) – 11.28; Anthony Ramos (3rd) – 11.73; Jordan Lawson (7th) – 11.90
200 Meters: Leon Tolbert IV (1st) – 23.27; Dennis Gibson (3rd) – 24.14; Da’Ravion Bell (4th) – 24.18
400 Meters: Leon Tolbert IV (1st) – 51.31; Bre’Lon Matthews (8th) – 57.25; Markell Estrada (9th) – 57.81
800 Meters: Drew Brischke (4th) – 2:17.33; Bre’Lon Matthews (5th) – 2:18.38; Kenyon Watkins (12th) – 2:26.15
1600 Meters: Elijah Morse (8th) – 6:00.21; Steven Taylor (11th) – 6:13.87
3200 Meters: Elijah Morse (10th) – 14:13.04; Steven Taylor (11th) – 14:38.28
110 Hurdles: Austyn Shuster (3rd) – 18.08; Julius Watts (8th) – 22.09
300 Hurdles: Austyn Shuster (3rd) – 46.67; Julius Watts (4th) – 48.29
4x100 Relay: 3rd Place (Da'Ravion Bell, Dennis Gibson, Anthony Ramos, Jordan Lawson) – 45.30
4x200 Relay: 2nd Place (Dennis Gibson, Da'Ravion Bell, Tomarian Abernathy, Jaylin Carr) – 1:34.16
4x400 Relay: 3rd Place (Bre'Lon Matthews, Drew Brischke, Tomarian Abernathy, Markell Estrada) – 3:47.07
Field Events
High Jump: Leon Tolbert IV (1st) – 5’6; Mehki Austin (3rd) – 5’5; Da’Ravion Bell (6th) – 5’3
Long Jump: Leon Tolbert IV (2nd) – 20’7; Dennis Gibson (7th) – 18’9 ½; Jaylin Carr (8th) – 18’2
Triple Jump: Mehki Austin (8th) – 27’5 ¼; Jordan Grigsby (12th) – 35’7; Julius Watts (13th) – 34’8
Shot Put: Ayden Johnson (7th) – 32’10; Jordan Lawson (8th) – 32’9; Emeri Shelly (10th) – 27’3
Discus: Emeri Shelly (8th) – 83’6 ½; Ayden Johnson (9th) – 77’11; Jordan Lawson (11th) – 72’6
Pole Vault: Jalil Wilkerson (7th) – 7’0; Darien Townsend (8th) – 7’0
Final Team Standings:
Killeen Shoemaker – 159
Temple – 133
Harker Heights – 107
Congratulations to the freshman Wildcats on a successful season and a hard-fought performance at the District Championships!
