Alexander Seniors Break Multiple Track Records in San Antonio

Esteban Avena and Rickey Carson set new program bests in sprints and hurdles

Feb. 6, 2026 at 6:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

At the NEISD 8 meet in San Antonio, Alexander High School seniors Esteban Avena and Rickey Carson broke multiple program records. Avena set a new 200-meter dash record with a time of 21.70, while Carson broke records in the 110-meter hurdles (14.00) and long jump (23 feet, 1 inch). The Bulldogs finished third out of nine teams at the meet.

Why it matters

The early season records set by Avena and Carson highlight the strength of Alexander's track and field program and the potential for the team to have a successful season. As top athletes in the Laredo area, their performances will be closely watched as they aim to qualify for regional and state competitions.

The details

Avena's 21.70 in the 200-meter dash shattered the previous program record of 22.18 set in 2008, and he was the only sprinter under 22 seconds at the meet. Carson broke the 110-meter hurdles record of 14.61 with his winning time of 14.00, and his long jump of 23 feet, 1 inch topped the previous best of 22 feet, 2 inches set in 2014. The Bulldogs also had several other top-three finishes, including the 4x100-meter relay team, Anthony Gonzalez in the 800-meter, and Jose Chapa in the 1,600-meter.

  • The NEISD 8 meet took place on February 5, 2026 at San Antonio's Heroes Stadium.
  • Esteban Avena set the new 200-meter dash record of 21.70 at the meet.
  • Rickey Carson broke the 110-meter hurdles record with a time of 14.00 and the long jump record with a jump of 23 feet, 1 inch at the meet.

The players

Esteban Avena

A senior at Alexander High School and a Division I college recruit, Avena is one of Laredo's top track and field athletes. He was named the All-City Middle Distance Runner of the Year last season and was part of Alexander's record-setting 4x400-meter relay team.

Rickey Carson

A senior at Alexander High School, Carson is a 6A regional qualifier in the 110-meter hurdles and a second-team All-City selection in hurdles and jumps. He broke the school records in the 110-meter hurdles and long jump at the NEISD 8 meet.

Brian Swain

The head coach of the Alexander High School track and field team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

Both Avena and Carson are expected to be major contributors for Alexander this season as they aim to qualify for regional and state competitions.

The takeaway

The record-breaking performances by Avena and Carson highlight the strength of Alexander's track and field program and the potential for the team to have a successful season. As top athletes in the Laredo area, their achievements will be closely watched as they pursue further success at the regional and state levels.