Italy’s Varsity and JV Track & Field athletes competed at a high level during the district track meet held in Rio Vista. Italy advances six varsity members to the UIL 2A Region 2 Track meet being held in Stephenville on May 2nd and 3rd. And, with the JV girls finishing 1st overall and the JV boys finishing 3rd overall, expect Italy’s track teams to be in good shape for many seasons to come.

The district meet featured the field events on Monday and the track event finals on Wednesday. Coaches Craig Bales, Stephen Coleman, Erik Wilson, Heather Richters and Jeff Richters were on hand to motivate team Italy.

The coaching staff was aided by the leadership displayed by many of Italy’s track stars as well. Despite being hobbled with a serious knee injury, Kaitlyn Rossa (jr.), still competed in two long distance running events, the 800m run and 1600m run. Although Rossa was unable to advance to regionals, her determination served as inspiration to the squad.

With a sore knee as well, Jalarnce Jamal Lewis (so.), managed to finish in 4th Place during the Varsity’s boys 100 meter dash event. Afterwards, however, Lewis huddled with teammates and then made the unselfish decision to forego his spot on the 800 meter relay team and substitute in fellow sprinter, Mike Clark. The tough decision by Lewis paid off allowing Clark to help Italy finish 2nd in the event and qualify for regionals.

Adding a bit of levity to Italy’s track and fielders was, Bailey Bumpus (Jr.), who displays leadership in her own special way. After stumbling during warmups before one of her races and skinning her knee, Bumpus refused to allow the pain slow her down and managed to place in the event. Of course, she stumbled again after the race and skinned her other knee, but Bumpus never lost her smile through it all.

Confident leader and JV boys athletic marvel, Raheem Walker (so.), finished 1st in all four events in which he competed and boasted not having a 2nd place award in his personal trophy case. Then, with a grin, Walker admitted to having one or two.

Breyanna Beets (So.) shocked the track world when she finished in 1st place during her 800 meter run, well at least she shocked coach, Heather Richters, who was there to greet her at the finish line. Richters commented, “We are just young right now and in the process of realizing what we are capable of. I’m very proud of our kids and I’m very excited about the future.”

Varsity Girls – 8th Place overall, 13 total points:

JV Girls – 1st Place Overall, 213 total points:

Varsity Boys – 6th Place overall, 34 total points:

JV Boys – 3rd Place overall, 98 total points:

“I” can fly.