The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Track & Field South Texas District Championships were held on June 17-18, 2011 in Round Rock, Texas. Athletes competed in temperatures over 100 degrees on both days; all trying to advance to the next round of competition, the National Qualifier. Athletes sponsored by the Kenedy Summer Recreation Program returned home with a AAU South Texas Champion in the Bantam Division’s 1500 meter Race/Walk. Brianna “Bre” Morales captured the 1st place medal late Friday afternoon as she went 4 laps around the blistering track. In the Race/Walk event the athlete has to cross the line without ever running, walking very quickly heel/toe thru the finish line. While the event is not a UIL public school event, it is an Olympic event and offered as an AAU competition. Morales also competed in the 100 meter dash and in the long jump where she jumped 8’2”.

Other athletes also competed for an opportunity to advance. In the Youth Division, Daysha Eskridge qualified for the National Qualifier round in the 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash, triple jump and high jump. In the high jump, Eskridge tied for 3rd, officially ending up in 5th place on misses. In the Sub-Youth division, Gailynn Morales qualified in the 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash, 400 meter dash and long jump. Morales reached the leader board on the long jump in 8th place. Katia Cavazos qualified in two events in the Sub-Midget Girls Division, the 1500 meter run and 3000 meter run, Cavazos will also long jump for a chance at the National Quailifiers meet. Sean Rodriguez competed in the Midget Boys Division and placed 8th in the 80 meter hurdles and 4th in the high jump. This division had 45 participants, the most jumpers of any other division . Alejandra Hernandez finished 17th in the Primary Girls long jump and also earned a chance for the National Qualifiers meet.

The kids next track meet is scheduled for Saturday, June 25, at Judson High School. They are continuing to work hard as they prepare to make a run for a chance to become an AAU National Qualifier in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Kenedy Summer Recreation Program is under the direction of Larry Kiesling, and the coach and parents of the participants would like to thank him for making the track program possible. The track program is does not cover all of the expenses required for competition however. The competitors and their parents are responsible for providing their own transportation, accommodations, meals, and registration to the AAU Meets. Individuals qualifying for the National Championship in New Orleans are responsible for those costs also. Any businesses and/or individuals who would like to help with expenses or provide other assistance for these young athletes should contact Larry Kiesling at 583-2342 or the coach, Manuel De La Garza at 583-4387.