Photo credit Sheila Jones/ossports
On a slightly breezes Saturday evening at Wendel D. Ley Track and field Stadium, temperatures were moderate at the 37th Annual Victor Lopez Classic at 63 degrees. The long-running event endured overcast skies, but conditions remained dry.
Within a week, Fort Bend Marshall improved its time of (40.66) to (40.39) in the 4X100 Meter Relay. With the clocking, the Buffalo’s hold the top spot in the nation in the event for the second consecutive week.
The Quatro of Devon Achane, Malik Hornsby, Sylvester Labome and Bryson Stubblefield, finalized the race.
The success does not come as a surprise. The experience of three sophomores and one junior of last year have developed a strong backbone for this season’s young Buffs. The team simplifies some of its stiffest competition when it competes among each other.
The talent pool runs deep in Buffalo country. Not only does the coaching staff challenge and expect much from the kids, but its district also supports mirror talent.
The Buffalo’s picked up other impressive wins, including the 4X200 Meter Relays (1:24.29). It’s 4X400 Meter Relay team took third.
One such meet the Buffalos will not attend, breaks the team’s heart that it won’t compete at the Clyde Littlefield Relays next week on the University of Texas Campus. The track date interferes with the timing of its upcoming district meet. However, the team will make the trip to Austin, joining spectators in the stands.
Student-athletes completed from far and locally at the event. With standing room only, fans cheered as track times dropped.
Marshall’s Achane, one of the top football players in the country, sprinted to the third-best time among the nation in the boys 200 Meter Dash at (20.88). To add to an impressive evening, the top nine finishers of the boys 1500 Meter Run, finished in the top nine nationally.
On a final note, The Woodlands girls took home the team title, edging Katy’s Cinco Ranch with a margin of, 72.50 points opposed to 72.
In boys action, Fort Bend Marshall compiled 90 points to beat out second place Kingwood’s 74.
The college level saw its fair share of top times as Sam Houston State’s Jo’vaughn Martin claim the top time nationally in the 200 Meter Dash by running a (20.51).
Harvard women swept the top three spots in the 100 Meter Dash. Kelisa Cain finished first (11.79) while teammates Ngozi Musa (11.81) and Olivia Okoli (11.85) placed second and third respectively.
Houston Lady Cougars, competing in section B, earned the first two spots in the 200 Meter Dash. Ashley Seymore and Essance Sample posted times of (23.99) and (24.07).
Later towards the end of the evening, yours truly, Mr. Victor Lopez, shared his thoughts on what kids need to excel in the world of sports and in life.
For a full list of results visit the website, www.riceowls.com
