Track Teams Honored at State Meet

By Staff | Wednesday, May 26, 2010 11:21 AM

UIL Executive Director Charles Breithaupt presents an appreciation plaque to Max Goldsmith who coached the 1965 3A national record holder in the 400-meter relay at Andrews High School.

Photo by Jeanne Acton

In connection with UIL Centennial Celebrations, the UIL State Track Meet directors Sheila Henderson and Traci Neely recognized the high schools that had won the most track state titles in the past 100 years of the League at the State Meet. The schools were Abilene High School (boys' team), Andrews High School (boys' team), Dallas Skyline High School (girls' team), Refugio High School (boys' and girls' teams) and Lancaster High School (girls' team).

Collectively these schools have won an impressive 45 state titles with the most recent being won by Dallas Skyline in 2009 and the earliest title won in 1925 by Andrews High School.

"Their presence here tonight is a true testimony to what their participation in the state track and field meet has meant in their lives," Henderson said. "We were honored that so many of the individuals, along with their families and friends, have traveled to reunite with their former teammates and coaches for such a special occasion."
 
Among those who were honored was former world record holder Billy Olson of Abilene High School. In 1976, he won the 4A pole vault and set a state record. He went on to be a college All-American and Olympian.  

Also, honored was the 1965 3A state record and national record holder in the 400-meter relay and mile relay team of Larry Shoemaker, Ted Nelson, Darvis Cormier, Ralph Merritt and Les Blackburn of Andrews High School. Max Goldsmith, who also was in attendance, coached the team.

Toya Jones of Refugio High School, one of the most decorated high school track athletes with a total of 13 gold medals, also attended the ceremony.

UIL recognized the Lancaster High School girls’ relay teams. The team won a record 20 relay titles, setting conference and state records along the way.  

In 2005 the Dallas Skyline girls’ 400- and 800-meter relay teams were recognized as the best in the United States.

"These athletes and schools just mentioned and all the ones that are here tonight have contributed to the success of their schools and many of the records set by them will remain in the record books for years to come," UIL Executive Director Charles Breithaupt said.