Earlier this month, Elisa Gonzales of Willow Bend Elementary challenged her students to compete in the annual Lubbock Area Elementary Championship Track Meet. This marks the third year that Willow Bend has participated in the event.
The meet, organized by Scott Eberhard, coach at Hodges Elementary, was hosted in partnership with Lubbock Christian University and RunLBK. Schools from Lubbock ISD, Lubbock Cooper, New Deal, and even a homeschool team joined Willow Bend at the event.
The meet kicked off with preliminary races in the 100-meter and 400-meter events. Willow Bend had several students compete, with four advancing to the finals in their respective races. In the 100 meter, Zayden Clem and Kamron Mitchell qualified for the finals. In the 400 meter, Zayden Clem, Kamron Mitchell, Justice Colman, and Navea Jones all advanced.
Willow Bend also brought both boys and girls teams to compete in the sprint and mile relays. Both sprint and mile relay teams performed well and qualified for the finals. The Boys Sprint Relay team included Myles, Guy, Eden, and Lucas, with King serving as the alternate. Arley, Pia, Kambyl, and Navea represented Willow Bend in the Girls Sprint Relay Finals.
“Our Sprint Relays both made it to the finals,” said Gonzales. “Unfortunately, we did not medal, but I was very proud of them making it to the finals!”
The Boys Mile Relay team placed second, earning silver medals. Team members included Afu, Justice, Kamron, and Zayden. The Girls Mile Relay team, made up of Clair, Ke'Aubrey, Aria, and Navea, raced hard but just missed the podium.
In the individual 400-meter final, Kamron Mitchell earned 1st place and Zayden Clem came in 3rd, with both students medaling in the event.
“We have been working hard, and it paid off,” said Gonzales. “I am so proud of them! They should be very proud of what they accomplished at the meet! It was nice to see all the support and love that came out to cheer them on!”
Willow Bend coach Elisa Gonzales emphasized the value of student participation in athletics, highlighting the life lessons students gain through competition and teamwork.
“I think it is important to get involved in sports so students can start learning the dedication it takes to be on a team and representing a school/organization. Students had to be responsible for showing up to practice and with all the necessary things for practice.”
The students of Willow Bend Elementary demonstrated athletic talent, determination, teamwork, and school pride throughout the competition. With several students medaling and all showing growth, this year’s track meet was a proud moment for the entire Willow Bend community. As the tradition continues, the future looks bright for these young athletes.
Congratulations, students!