MaxPreps Student SectionCalallen Ladycats came back from a 55 point deficit during prelims during first day of the meet. Coach John Hilliard's girl's track team played on April 13, 2011 in dominating fashion the day of finals to win by 18 points. At the 31-4A district track meet, hosted at Calallen High School in Corpus Christi, Texas, the Calallen Ladycats took the title of district champions for the 4th consecutive year in a row.
Not only did the team dominate the meet, they did so while breaking numerous school and district records. In the 800 meter run, junior Shelby Peek, took first place with a time of 2:23. Following close behind was junior Sam Reiter, with a time of 2:26. Not only did the Ladycats take the top 2 places. Amber Scott ran a 2:29 to secure third place. All three girls will be advancing to the regional competition in the 800 meter.
It was a record breaking day for the Calallen Lady cats, starting with senior Breanna Gayle breaking the 400 meter school record with a time of 56.2. Junior Hayley Brandt broke the school record with her pole vault of 10 ft 4 inches. The 4 x 100 relay broke not only the school but also the district record with an outstanding time of 48.73.
John Hilliard has been coaching for 38 years. His current assignments include high school football, and the girls' track team. For the past 5 years he's been head coach for the girls' track team. Out of his 5 years as the Lady cat's head coach, he has won district four times. Each year there were athletes that advanced onto and past the regional competition. "God has really smiled on me, he knows I don't like to lose" Coach Hilliard said.
Filled with the inspiration Coach Hilliard has instilled in each of his runners. 10 girls will be advancing onto participate in the regional competition May 2nd and 3rd held at Alamo Stadium in San Antonio, Texas. "Coach Hilliard is such an inspiration! He's had so much experience coaching, we all trust his advice, not only when he's coaching but also when he's giving life lessons," Shelby Pesek stated. "He is a man with a big heart, and even bigger faith in God."
Coach Hilliard has accomplished a lot in his many years of coaching, yet he is still not satisfied. He strives to lead his team not only to a district championship title, but to a regional title as well.
