Burnet tracksters end season with gutys performances at state meet
CAPTION: Burnet senior pole vaulter Brady Rygaard (left) wears the Class 4A state silver medal, while Salado senior pole vaulter Jackson Bragg wears the gold medal. Photo by Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography
The Burnet High School boys track team completed its season with one Class 4A State Track and Field Championship medal.
It went to senior pole vaulter Brady Rygaard who cleared 15 feet, good enough for silver, and took his first steps onto the podium and left his mark in the Burnet history books.
“He’s been the biggest cheerleader for everyone else and to see him get a medal is just so exciting,” said head coach Ben Speer. “I’m excited to see him go forward with plans to vault in college and see him move onto the next chapter like this.”
Defending state champion Brayden Hill, who also is a Burnet senior, finished ninth at the state meet. Getting to state is no easy task, especially making back-to-back appearances, an impressive feat for both vaulters.
“Hill has achieved so many great things being a two-time state qualifier, owning a school record, and a state gold medalist,” Speer said.
Hill has his sights set on the next chapter as a pole vaulter for Stephen F. Austin University.
Senior Grant Jones had an unforgettable day placing sixth in his state meet debut with a long jump of 22-2.25. Jones will graduate as one of Burnet High School’s most decorated athletes.
“It was fun seeing him end his senior career at Mike Myers stadium, something he hadn’t done before,” the coach said. “He’s someone who works so consistently hard at everything he does and to see that reward come about is awesome.”
Jones, a multi-sport player, showcased his talents throughout his high school career in football as a three-year starter, an asset in basketball and excelling on the track. This accolade is especially significant coming from a class stacked with a talented senior class that has enjoyed tremendous success throughout the program.
“He’s one of those guys you love, a program guy. No matter what he’s giving it in, it’s his best to succeed,” Speer said. “He takes time to talk to the younger generations and kids look up to him.”
Running phenom Victor Aviles ended his junior season placing ninth in the 800 meters in 2 minutes and 11.31 seconds. Aviles, who battled sickness all week, scratched the 1,600 and 3,200 meters.
Aviles ran impressive season-sweeping gold medals meet after meet and achieved new personal bests at each one, which makes it a season to be proud of.
But not competing in all three events at the state meet will be a huge factor in Aviles’ final year in Kelly green, the coach said.
”It’s created a deeper burning desire motivating him to achieve higher goals and run in college,” he said. “Everything is a learning opportunity, and he’s only a junior. He’s ready for summer meets and other distance festivals to run as a way to push him and get his name out.”
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