HEWITT, Texas – The future of Mustang athletics was on full display Tuesday as the Travis Science Academy 7th Grade Track & Field team traveled to Panther Stadium to compete in the Cen-Tex District Track & Field Championships.
As the sun set on the 2026 season on April 7, the Mustangs went toe-to-toe with the premier talent in Central Texas. This elite meet featured only the "best of the best," as participants had to finish in the top four of their respective Divisional Qualifiers the previous week just to earn a lane on the track.
The Mustangs finished 7th overall in the team standings with 32 points. While River Valley took the top spot with 190 points, and SC Lee and North Belton finished in a dead heat for 2nd with 91, the Travis athletes walked away with several individual highlights and podium finishes.
Top Performers and Medalists
The star of the day for Travis was undoubtedly Jaliel Gates, who proved to be one of the most versatile athletes in the region. Gates claimed the District Title in the High Jump, clearing an impressive 5’8 to take 1st Place. He wasn't finished there, however, adding a bronze medal to his collection with a 3rd Place finish in the 100 meters with a time of 12.72.
Joining him on the podium was Elijah Hogue, who demonstrated explosive leaping ability in the High Jump. Hogue secured 3rd Place with a mark of 15’6 ½.
Season Finale Highlights
The Mustang relay teams also battled through stiff competition to put points on the board. The 4x200 Relay team, consisting of Wayne Smith, Bradyn Rayson, Felix Arizmendi, and Jaliel Gates, narrowly missed the podium with a strong 4th Place finish, clocking in at 1:46.12.
In the sprint events, Bradyn Rayson showed elite speed, finishing just behind his teammate Gates in the 100 meters to take 5th Place at 12.79.
Full Mustang Results and Participants
Individual Events
Jaliel Gates: 1st Place – High Jump (5’8); 3rd Place – 100 Meters (12.72)
Elijah Hogue: 3rd Place – High Jump (15’6 ½); 7th Place – Long Jump (15’6 ½)
Bradyn Rayson: 5th Place – 100 Meters (12.79)
Relay Events
4x100 Relay (8th Place – 51.18): Jeremiah Green, Bradyn Rayson, Wayne Smith, Jaliel Gates
4x200 Relay (4th Place – 1:46.12): Wayne Smith, Bradyn Rayson, Felix Arizmendi, Jaliel Gates
4x400 Relay (7th Place – 4:16.41): Bentley McCormick, Kaiden Moore, Kaiden McCray, Kaiden Ducey
"This meet represented the pinnacle of the middle school season," the coaching staff noted. "To have our athletes competing at this level against the top four from every division shows the growth of this program."
With the conclusion of the District Meet, the Travis Science Academy Mustangs officially wrap up their 2026 campaign. Congratulations to all the athletes on a hard-fought season!
