Texas long has been a hotbed for high school football, but this spring track took center stage with national awards being received in both boys and girls events.
Photo by Kirby LeeShelbi Vaughan
Abraham Hall, a recent graduate of
South Grand Prairie (Grand Prairie, Texas), was named Gatorade National Boys Track Athlete of the Year, while Shelbi Vaughan, a recent graduate of
Mansfield Legacy (Mansfield, Texas), was named Gatorade National Girls Track Athlete of the Year.
The 5-foot-11 Hall won Class 5A state titles in the 100-meter dash (10.19 seconds) and the 200-meter dash (20.58). Both were personal records and his 100 time tied for the national best in 2012 and is No. 8 all-time. His 200 time also led the nation for part of the season. Hall compiled a 3.71 GPA and will compete in track at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.
The 6-2 Vaughan had a fabulous year throwing the discus. She set a national record with a throw of 198 feet, 9 inches during the USATF Junior Outdoor Championships. She also placed fourth in the Olympic Trials with a throw of 195-9. Only one other U.S. girl has thrown the discus over 190 feet and Vaughan has done it five times. She posted a B-plus average and will attend Texas A&M on a volleyball scholarship, with track also being in her future.