May 2, 2022

Dripping Springs High School track and field athletes Brant Melton and Ava Williamson qualified for the UIL State Meet after their performances at the Region IV-5A Meet at Heroes Stadium in San Antonio.

Melton continued his winning ways in the 800 meters with a personal-best time of 1:54.59 to capture the regional title and advance to state. Melton won district and area in the 800 meters as well. Williamson placed second in the high jump with a personal-best leap of five feet, six inches to match a 20-year school record. Both Melton and Williamson will make their first state meet appearances.

Several Tigers came close to qualifying for state by finishing in third place at the regional meet. Sophia Farris recorded a 43.52 in the 300-meter hurdles with the top three finishers all breaking the regional record of 43.84. Kaleigh Howell timed 57.48 in the 400 meters and the boys’ 4x200-meter relay team of Boston Papp, Garon Duncan, Chase Whisenant and Gunnar Betts finished in 1:28.81.

Karsten Bobb placed fourth in both the mile and two mile, timing 5:05.29 and 11:22.33, while Kate Ginther came away with a fourth-place finish in the 800 meters with a personal-best time of 2:14.02. For the boys, Gage Groce placed fourth in the 110-meter hurdles with 14.98 and the 4x100-meter relay team of Luke Hudson, Duncan, Whisenant and Betts placed fourth with 42.74.

In the team race, the girls placed sixth in the 35-team field with 35 points and the boys finished seventh among 36 teams with 34 points.

The UIL 5A State Meet will be held Friday, May 13 at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin.