Canyon athletes brought home medals in four of the seven events they competed in at the UIL State track meet Friday, May 12 in Austin, Texas. The girls’ track team finished third overall.

Sophomore Norman Grimes placed fourth in the 110 meter hurdles and third in the 300 meter hurdles.

Seniors Shelby Bartley placed fifth in discus, Sommer Wilder placed sixth in the 400 meter dash and Kaitlin Rodriguez placed first in both the 1600 and 800 meter dash. Rodriguez set a new state record in the 800 meter dash.

“It was unbelievable,” Rodriguez said. “When I crossed the finish line, I bent over, looked at the clock and thought, ‘Was that me?'”

The girl’s mile relay placed second and consisted of sophomore Izzy Wilson, Rodriguez, sophomore Brittany Gregory and Wilder.

Both Rodriguez and Wilder suffered from respiratory illnesses on the way to Austin before the state meet, and Rodriguez said they were all nervous to see how they would compete.

“Baca gave both of us a pep talk, and said that sick or not, it would be hard,” Rodriguez said. “We did what we needed to do.”