Life School News and Notes

Last Friday, Life High School Waxahachie (LHSW) took a proactive step to set season expectations by hosting a media day for its track and field athletes. Local Ellis County media outlets showed support as coaches and students were interviewed about the upcoming season.

“We are excited about this new season,” expressed LHSW Head Track and Field Coach, Lyle Linscomb. “[...] We graduated a lot of experience and talent last season on the girl’s side, but we have reloaded with some young, talented girls. We do not expect any drop off.”

The program’s accomplishments have led the Lady Mustangs to take home three Team District Championships; three Area Team Championships; two regional Team Championships; one Individual State Champion (Kylah Smith, 100M Hurdles in 2015); and multiple state medals. A combined total of 19 athletes have continued their track career in college, including six from 2020.

“The boys are very experienced this year,” Linscomb added. “Most of the ones contributing will be seniors and juniors. They are hungry to finish what they set out to prove last year. I am expecting big things from this year’s boys’ team.”

Matching in achievements, the Mustangs have also seen success by earning four Team District Championships and two Individual State Championships (Kaine Black, Long Jump in 2014; Jason Locke, 400M in 2019).

In a LHSW press release Zion Smith, Sanai Gort, and Emeri Adames were mentioned as “newcomers to watch” in the category of sprinting. The list also added other promising athletes that include Ashton Hill for pole vault, Jordynn West for distance, and Jasmine Pullins for the high jump.

“The pressure is there,” said freshman, Sanai Gort, of being a new teammate to an already accomplished team. “But, I got what it takes to be successful.”

Building off a record in 2019, the Lady Mustangs ranked third overall with Kayla Jenkins taking third in the 300M hurdles at a time of 44.92, and the team placing third in the 4x400 relay at a time of 3:56.34. Mustang, Jason Locke, won first place in the 400M with a time of 48.33;2 at the 2019 State Championships.

Both LHSW track teams were making great strides during training in hopes of placing in the 2020 State Championships. Then, the unthinkable happened. Schools closed and the spring season was canceled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the Mustangs’ state dream shattered.

“Losing last season was devastating,” said senior, Seas Folarin. “We felt we had the team to go far and compete at state. [...] It [the pandemic] taught me to never take anything for granted.”

But, that hasn’t stopped LHSW student-athletes’ goal of going to the 2021 State Championships. Both teams expressed they are ready to take back what the pandemic stole from them.

“We lost a lot of experience but that doesn’t change our goal or discourage us from reaching it,” said junior, Bre’Anna Lacy.

“It was a huge disappointment but it also helped me to be more independent and responsible with my workouts,” added senior, Terrence Ratcliff.

Setting personal goals, junior, Chaniqua Tonge, said she’d like to break the school long jump record. Senior, Jalen Mann, also said his expectation is to receive a state medal in either the 400M, 200M, or 100M dash.

The University Interscholastic League (UIL) has continued its COVID-19 risk mitigation guidelines during practices and meets, but is currently moving forward with the 2021 State Championship Meet on May 7. District, Area, and Regional meets are scheduled for April 2021.

“As a team, we are looking to have a solid season that hopefully ends at State. I believe we have the tools to do it, we just have to be committed,” concluded junior, Te’Drick Robinson.

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For tickets, meets, and additional information click the LHSW Track and Field Athletics page.