Gifford, Kerley aim for golden farewell
After solid starts, stars hope to head to college with wins.
St. Michael’s senior Elijah Gifford has some unfinished business before he takes his track shoes to Baylor this fall.
Taylor senior Virginia Kerley aims to continue her family’s legacy of greatness before she heads to Texas A&M.
Gifford and Kerley, competing in the Texas Relays for the final time, were among the Central Texas standouts on a sun-splashed Friday at Mike A. Myers Stadium.
Gifford left an impressive mark early, placing first in his heat — third overall — in the 110 hurdles. With a time of 14.52 seconds, he’ll be among the favorites in Saturday’s final. Across the track, Kerley breezed to a second-place showing in the 100, conserving her energy for a busy weekend. She also will also compete in the 400, long jump and triple jump.
Also on Friday, Bowie senior Carolyn Evans won the first heat of the 1,600 meters, breaking the school record in the process. Her time of 5:05.54 edged the old record of 5:06, set by Shaunte Alexander in 1994. Evans would go on to finish eighth as Aledo freshman Gracie Morris won with a time of 4:53.32.
Gifford hopes to fare better than he did at last year’s Relays. He finished sixth in the 110 hurdles and third in the 1,600-meter relay team.
“I’m going to shoot for the stars and go after my (personal record),” Gifford said. On Saturday, he will join teammates Nick Villarreal, Justin Mickel and Sebastian Cascarano in the 1,600 relay.
Gifford also considered Ole Miss, Air Force and the U.S. Military Academy.
“This allows me focus more on having fun,” he said.
Gifford said his most memorable high school moment was helping St. Michael’s win the TAPPS state meet his junior year. He played a big part in the victory, winning the 300 hurdles with a personal-best time of 37.92.
“I’m hoping to break it again,” he said.
Kerley finished third in her 100 meters heat — seventh overall — to qualify for Saturday’s final.
She is the fourth member of her family to win a medal at the UIL state track and field meet. Brothers Demarea, Fred and My’lik Kerley also earned state track meet medals. Cousin Jeremy Kerley, a former Hutto High quarterback, is an NFL veteran, currently playing with the 49ers.
“I’m the baby,” Virginia said after finishing her heat.
“When you have a family of athletes and your name is Kerley, expectations are pretty high,” she said. “And when you’re the only girl, it feels like it’s even double.”
Kerley is competing in four events — the 100, 400, long jump and triple jump.
“My body is used to it, but sometimes it feels like it isn’t,” she said. “My muscles will tighten up. That’s why I’ll lay back some in the prelims.”
Also Friday, Hendrickson senior Daniel Viegra struck gold in the 1,600 meters, winning in 4:14.65. Teammate Justin Botello, also a senior, finished third at 4:18.14.
Stony Point junior Sam Prendeville finished fifth at 4:19.26.
Stony Point senior Sydney Washington qualified second in the girls 100 Division 2 with a time of 11.46 seconds. Taylor sophomore Anna Cathryn Griffith finished fourth in the girls pole at 12 feet, 9 inches. Contact Rick Cantu at 512-445-3953. Twitter: @Rickyprep