The wait is almost over. After months of grit, grind, and glory on the track, the Lone Star State's finest high school athletes are ready to make their mark at the 2026 UIL State Track and Field Meet. From blistering sprints to soaring vaults, the Big Country will be well represented in Austin.

This Thursday through Saturday, May 14-16, the brightest stars from across Texas will converge on the University of Texas' Mike Myers Stadium. For these athletes, it's the ultimate stage—a chance to turn a season of hard work into gold. And for fans of the Big Country, there's plenty to cheer about: more than 100 local qualifiers will compete for state titles.

Let's break down the standout athletes and teams heading to state, starting with the sprinters who set the track on fire. Abilene High senior Jaden Jackson comes in with serious momentum, posting a 10.30 in the 100m—the third-fastest qualifying time among 5A boys. Meanwhile, Brownwood junior Kaya Phillips is a force in the 200m, clocking a 23.99 that ranks second among 4A girls. She'll also anchor two relay teams: the 4x100 (47.34, fifth fastest) and the 4x400 (1:40.79, fourth fastest), alongside teammates Icess Hall, Jade Morin, Aniah Hines, and Eboni Baker.

In the field events, Stephenville's athletes are making serious noise. Senior Kolton Dearth leads all 4A boys in the shot put with a massive 59-08.00, while teammate Caleb Garland isn't far behind at 55-03.00 (third best). Senior Kylar Mills is soaring in the pole vault with a 15-00.00, the second-best qualifying mark among 4A boys. On the girls' side, Stephenville's Brinkley Hall is a contender in the triple jump at 40-10.50 (fourth best).

Distance and jumps are also well covered. Big Spring senior Jacob Marquez will test his endurance in the 800m, where his 1:58.50 is the seventh-fastest qualifying time among 4A boys. In the high jump, Stephenville junior Jesse Barnes cleared 6-06.00 (fifth best), while Brownwood senior Hannah Deen matched up at 5-05.00 in the girls' high jump (eighth best). Grace Sparks, a sophomore from Brownwood, is making waves in the pole vault with a 12-00.00, good for fourth among 4A girls.

Relays are where teamwork meets speed, and Tuscola Jim Ned's 4x100 squad—Natalie Reid, Gabriela Cabrera, Charli Lawson, and Emma Clutz—is primed for a podium push with a 48.04, the third-fastest qualifying time in 4A girls.

Whether you're a fan of the sprints, throws, or jumps, this year's state meet promises unforgettable moments. As these athletes step onto the track at Mike Myers Stadium, they carry the pride of the Big Country with them. Let the games begin.