LASARA — Lyford’s track & field team called Lasara High School home this track season because of a revamp of the Bulldogs’ stadium.
On Tuesday, only two athletes remained at practice, David Caballero and Mark Marroquin, the two state qualifiers.
Marroquin, a senior, qualified for the Class 3A state meet in the 200-meter dash. He has had a standout track career at Lyford.
“I am ready to compete,” he said. “I believe in myself, that is my mentality, and I am ready. I am blessed and excited that I got the opportunity to do this.”
Marroquin won the triple jump at the Meet of Champions. The only time he did not finish first this season in the triple jump was Region IV-3A meet. The senior teamed with Justin Vela, Oscar Martinez and Osmar Martinez in the sprint relays for the majority of the season until a hamstring injury sidelined Oscar Martinez.
“Thanks to everyone that believed in me,” Marroquin said. “Thank you to everyone that got me here, and thank you to my coaches.”
Marroquin hopes to continue running track. There are possibilities on the table, but the senior hopes to run track at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
In the 800 relay at the regional meet, Caballero joined the relay team. The team finished third, 0.02 seconds behind second place and 0.04 seconds behind first place. Caballero is headed to state in the 800.
“I never thought I would make it,” he said. “This is my first year doing track in high school, but I kind of knew I was going to make it at the same time.
“This is a big achievement because I have been talking about going to state all year.”
Caballero, a sophomore, is peaking on the track at the right time. At the district and area meets, he ran his 800 in 2:08 and 2:07 seconds, finishing first in both races. At the regional meet, the sophomore set a personal record with 2:01.42.
“I know I can go faster,” he said. “I am trying to get at least top five,”
Cracking 2 minutes likely would help Caballero accomplish a top-five finish. The sophomore said he does not want to be the slowest.
