As the countdown to the 2026 Texas UIL State Track & Field Championships begins, the Lone Star State's finest young athletes have punched their tickets to the big stage. From blistering sprints to soaring jumps and powerful throws, these qualifiers represent the best of Texas high school athletics—and they're ready to leave it all on the track.
In the field events, the high jump pits Brycen Williams (Canyon West Plains) against Brix Machen (Hereford) and Jesse Barnes (Stephenville), while the pole vault features Kylar Mills (Stephenville), Matthew Portillo (Clint), and Gus Johnson (Rockport-Fulton). The shot put circle will be dominated by Kolton Dearth and Caleb Garland, both of Stephenville, alongside Trevor Roach of Corpus Christi Calallen. In the discus, Kelton Burgoon, Parker Webb, and Colt Mckinley of Canyon lead the charge, with Roach and Gary Wells adding depth from Calallen.
On the track, distance runners take center stage in the 3,200 meters, where Jacob Erickson (Perryton), Noah Cooper (Canyon), and Domenic San Miguel (Canyon) will battle for supremacy. The 1,600 meters sees San Miguel, Erickson, and Cooper return for another showdown, while the 800 meters features Aidon Tijerina (Canyon) and Jacob Marquez (Big Spring).
Sprint fans have plenty to cheer about. The 100 meters features Kaiden Joseph (Lubbock-Cooper Liberty) and Phoenix Sherwood (Canyon Randall), while the 200 meters showcases Christian Flowers (Kingsville) and Ivyrson Mcguire (Lubbock Estacado). Emmitt Stewart and Baylor West, both of Canyon, headline the 400 meters alongside Brian Rivas Jr. (Beeville). The hurdles bring Izak Dominguez (Hereford) and Emmanuel Navarrete (Clint) in the 110-meter event.
Relays promise high drama. The 400 relay features Lubbock-Cooper Liberty's team of Becton Hogg, Kaiden Joseph, Harry Vitz, and Gavin McPherson, while the 800 relay sees the same squad—Cobin Walker, Joseph, Vitz, and McPherson—aiming for gold. The 1,600 relay brings together Canyon's Nolan Prock, Jacob Asbill, Baylor West, and Emmitt Stewart.
In the girls' division, the shot put features Brinley Hall (Stephenville) and Keilani Nunez (Sinton). The 3,200 meters sees Presli Pool (Canyon), Brooke French (Canyon Randall), and Michael Sharber (Canyon) setting the pace. The 400 relay is stacked with three teams: Brownwood (Icess Hall, Kaya Phillips, Jade Morin, Aniah Hines), Canyon West Plains (Siyan Mitchell, Alicia Moreno, Kiara Calloway, Jackelyn Hernandez), and Rockport-Fulton (Nahla Gandy, Holly Baergen, Adyson Burton, Logann Wood). In the 800 meters, Addyson Bristown (Canyon) and Alexia Martinez (Fabens) are ready to push the limits.
With every event bringing its own story, the 2026 state meet is shaping up to be one for the ages. Whether you're a fan of speed, strength, or endurance, these qualifiers are the names to watch.