Diboll concludes track season
By Russell Payne Sports Editor

Vanessa Jones charges ahead during the 100 meter hurdles Saturday in Humble.

The Diboll High School Track and Field teams completed their seasons this past weekend at the Class 3A Region III Track Meet in Humble, TX.

For the Diboll bunch it was a tough, but rewarding weekend that will certainly come in useful for those athletes returning next year.

"While the ending wasn't what was expected, the Jacks had a very exciting season and have some promising athletes returning for next season," Coach Bruce Bolden said.

Diboll will be losing five seniors, out of the 16 athletes that competed at the regional meet this past weekend.

The highlights of the event for Diboll were delivered by Vanessa Jones and Alex Castillo.

Jones was able to qualify for the finals in the 100 meter hurdles, and was able to take fourth place overall in the region.

Jones ran a time of 15.84 seconds.

For Castillo it was a fourth place finish in the 200 meters and a time of 22.46 seconds.

"I feel that we had a very good meet, many of our athletes ran very well and set many personal records," Coach Zach Johnson said.

(Above right) Diboll's boys 4 x 200 meters relay team competes in Humble.

Lady Jack high jumper Chelsea Burns kicked off the competition for Diboll with a strong effort.

In the girls 1600 meters it was Amanda Drake with a time of 5:51.79, and Gabby Saucedo had a time of 6:02.62.

Drake ran a strong 2:31in the 800 meters, while making a jump of nine feet in the pole vault.

Jafrina Jackson and Tiffany Mott both had a good showing at the meet competing in the shot put.

Jackson had a throw of 33- 05.25 feet and was able to muster a ninth place finish.

Mott tossed the shot 32 feet during the competition.

All of the relay runners for the Lady Jacks also had a good outing during the regional meet.

Those ladies included Vanessa Jones, PJ Tappin, Nikki Greene, TK Jackson and Chastity Burns.

"For most it was a first time event, going to the regional meet and is something that can only be learned well by experience," Johnson said.

(Above left) Vanessa Jones crosses the finish line in her 100 meter hurdles race. She took fourth place overall during the event.

On the boys side of things there were several competitors on the regional level for Diboll.

Joining Castillo in the 4 x 200 meter relay were Christian Lovelady, J.J. Hayes and Jacolby Spencer.

That group posted a top ten finish at the event.

Hayes also had an opportunity to run in the 400 meters over the weekend.

Diboll's Juan Robles was a two contest entry for the Lumberjacks in the long distance arena.

Robles netted a top ten finish in the 3200 meters, with a time of 10:45.70 in the event.

He also ran the 1600 meters and posted a time of 4:49.66.

Finally rounding out things for team Diboll was pole vaulter Chad Odom. The lone field event entrant for the boy's team was able to post a height of 11' 6"ft.

"Once again thanks to everyone for your support and with the loss of only 5 seniors from this year's team and a number of key contributors returning next season the Jacks look to make some noise in next year's district and regional meets," Bolden concluded.

Diboll's Tiffany Mott puts some gusto into her toss of the shot this past weekend. Lady Jack track standout Amanda Drake was very busy during the Region III Meet competing in two long distance events and the pole vault. (Above right) Amanda Drake clears the bar during the 2008 Region III meet this past weekend. (Above left) Amanda Drake finished hard during the 3200 meters at the Region III Track Meet last Saturday. Juan Robles had an impressive showing during the Region III Track Meet competing in both the 1600 and 3200 meters. (Above) Diboll's Chelsea Burns clears the bar in the High Jump during the Region III Meet in Humble, TX. (Below left) Diboll Lady Jack relay team member Nikki Greene hands off the baton to teammate T.K. Jackson. (Below right) Gabby Saucedo stands exhausted after running a tough 1600 meters.