The Travis Science Academy Mustang 7th grade track and field team stormed John Glover Stadium this past Wednesday, March 4, putting up a spirited fight at the Academy Bumblebee Relays. In a massive field featuring 13 total teams, the Mustangs secured a 7th place finish with a total of 37 team points.
While North Belton (141 points) and Lampasas (139 points) battled for the top of the podium, the Mustangs carved out their own highlights with several standout performances that proved they belong among the region’s best.
Spotlight: The Jaliel Gates Show
It was a historic night for Jaliel Gates, who dominated the field to earn a spot as a Top 10 Athlete of the meet. Gates accounted for a staggering 21.5 individual points, headlined by a 1st Place finish in the High Jump, clearing the bar at 5’8. He followed that up with a silver medal in the 100-meter dash, clocking in at 12.09 seconds.
Top Performance Summary
The Mustangs saw success both on the track and in the field:
Sprints: Following closely behind Gates in the 100 meters was Bradyn Rayson, who took 4th Place with a sharp time of 12.32.
Distance: Nathan Mwerenga showed impressive endurance in the 2400 meters, grinding out a 6th Place finish with a time of 10:22.00.
Relays: The 4x100 relay team (Rayson, Gates, Green, Smith) surged to a 3rd Place finish in under 50 seconds, while the 4x200 squad (Rayson, Arizmendi, Gates, Green) also found the scoreboard with a 6th Place finish.
Mustang Participation & Results
The following athletes represented Travis Science Academy with distinction, placing in their respective events:
Individual Events
Jaliel Gates: 1st Place (High Jump, 5’8); 2nd Place (100 Meters, 12.09)
Bradyn Rayson: 4th Place (100 Meters, 12.32)
Nathan Mwerenga: 6th Place (2400 Meters, 10:22.00)
Relay Teams
4x100 Relay (3rd Place – 49.68): Bradyn Rayson, Jaliel Gates, Jeremiah Green, and Wayne Smith.
4x200 Relay (6th Place – 1:49.54): Bradyn Rayson, Felix Arizmendi, Jaliel Gates, and Jeremiah Green.
Looking Ahead: The Mustangs won't have much time to rest. They are back in action next Wednesday, March 11, as they travel to the Cameron Invitational in Cameron, Texas, looking to build on this week's momentum.
