Area qualifiers set as schools send multiple competitors

Track and field athletes from Elgin, Bastrop, Cedar Creek, and Smithville high schools advance to the area round meets.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:00pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting various track and field events and athletes in an abstract, cubist style.A cubist interpretation of the energy and movement of a high school track and field competition.Elgin Today

High school track and field athletes from Elgin, Bastrop, Cedar Creek, and Smithville competed in district meets on April 8-9, with many qualifying for the upcoming area round competitions. The Elgin, Bastrop, and Cedar Creek teams will compete at East View High School in Georgetown on April 15, while Smithville will travel to Hall Stadium in Missouri City the same day.

Why it matters

Qualifying for the area round is an important milestone for high school track and field athletes, as it brings them one step closer to the regional and state championships. The strong showings by these schools demonstrate the depth of talent in the local track and field community.

The details

Elgin will be represented at the area meet by Matthew Cato in the 1600m and 3200m runs, and Ta'Myra Walker in the 100m dash. Bastrop had a dominant performance, with the boys team winning the District 24-5A title and qualifying athletes in sprints, hurdles, relays, and field events. The Bastrop girls also advanced competitors in sprints, hurdles, and field events. Cedar Creek will send qualifiers in sprints, jumps, and distance events for both the boys and girls teams. Smithville had individual champions in the long jump, triple jump, and discus, along with other qualifiers in distance and relay events.

  • The district meets were held on April 8-9, 2026.
  • The area round competitions will take place on April 15, 2026.

The players

Matthew Cato

An Elgin High School athlete who qualified in the 1600m and 3200m runs.

Ta'Myra Walker

An Elgin High School athlete who won the district championship in the 100m dash.

Gary Jefferson

A Bastrop High School athlete who qualified in the 100m dash.

Kian Pucek

A Bastrop High School athlete who qualified in the 100m dash and won the triple jump.

Zachary Wilkinson

A Bastrop High School athlete who won the 110m and 300m hurdles.

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What’s next

The area round competitions will take place on April 15, 2026, where the qualifying athletes from Elgin, Bastrop, Cedar Creek, and Smithville will compete to advance to the regional championships.

The takeaway

The strong performances by these local high school track and field teams demonstrate the depth of talent in the community and the dedication of the athletes and coaches. Advancing to the area round is an impressive achievement that sets the stage for further success at the regional and state levels.