Ozona is on track for success

Ozona—Ozona High School athletes are gearing up to host the district track meet at Lion Stadium, April 8–9, bringing momentum from a season marked by personal bests, records and team success.

Several standout athletes shared their favorite events, achievements and goals as they prepare to compete on their home track.

Building momentum this season

Jetsi Flores, who competes in discus and shot put, said she prefers discus and is aiming to reach a new milestone.

“Discus [is my favorite] because no one likes shot put,” she said. “Hopefully, I hit 100.”  

Distance runner Isabel Marsh, who competes in the 400-meter, 800-meter and 4x4, said the relay is her favorite event. 

“I enjoy the 4x4,” she said. “Making it to regionals in the 4x4 and 400 [is my biggest achievement].”  

Rowdy O’Bryant highlighted his growth over the years as a key accomplishment. 

“I would say I enjoy shot put the most. It's a great sport, and I like to see how far I can throw the ball,” O’Bryant said. “My greatest track achievements are probably the numbers I've put up over the years. My freshman year I was probably putting up about 25ish. Now it's my senior year and I've done almost 15 feet more. I’m able to do roughly 40 to 42.”  

Records and standout performances

Grace Upham made school history earlier this season by breaking the girls triple jump record at a meet in Big Lake on March 26, recording a jump of 35 feet, 5.25 inches.

The previous record had stood for 16 years and was held by Vanessa Rodriguez de Hoyos, who now coaches Upham.

“It was really windy, so I figured I was going to jump far,” Upham said. “I'm trying to jump 36 feet and go to regionals in triple jump.”  

Fueling performance and future goals

Athletes also shared how they prepare physically for competition, emphasizing nutrition and recovery.

“I don't eat anything before a track meet, and after the track meet, I eat whatever they give us,” Flores said. 

“I eat a bagel with peanut butter on it,” Marsh said. 

Others keep it simple before meets.

“Before track meet, I usually eat just a sandwich or a bag of gummies,” O’Bryant said. “I like Nerds clusters. Then when I get home, something hearty. Chicken breast, some rice, a lot of potatoes.” 

“Before track meet, I eat bananas and some granola bars,” Ruiz said. “After a track meet, it's whatever the coaches buy us.”

Looking ahead, many athletes set their sights on advancing beyond the district meet.

“My goals are to make it to regionals again,” Marsh said.

“My goal is to make it past regionals,” O’Bryant said.

Trey Ruiz, who competes in the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 relays, said his focus is on success.

“My main goal is to go to state, and I want to break the record for the 4x1,” he said.