See the gallery here of the historic win.
Duncanville etched its name in the annals of sports history with an extraordinary display of athleticism, capturing its maiden UIL 6A Track & Field team title. The stage was set at the revered Mike A. Myers Track and Soccer Stadium, nestled within the esteemed University of Texas campus in Austin, where the Duncanville Panthers showcased their unwavering determination and unrivaled talent.
Yvette Green has been the Girls Head Track and Field Coach since 2014. She has developed the program into one of the most dominant in Texas. Overflowing with excitement, Head Coach Yvette Green couldn't help but express her awe at the astounding performances of her remarkable athletes. "These kids have been nothing short of phenomenal," exclaimed Green. "Their accomplishments are simply indescribable, leaving an indelible mark in my mind. Witnessing their journey to becoming state champions has been an absolute blessing."
The Panthers roared into action, setting the tone for their victorious campaign with a dazzling second-place finish in the highly competitive 4x100-meter relay. Ashley Lister (So), Aaliyah Gipson (Jr), Sanyah Keeton (Fr), and Dekayla Simpson (So) showcased their lightning speed, clocking an impressive time of 45.55 seconds and earning a valuable 16 points for their team.
Coach Green couldn't hide her excitement as she recalled the thrilling showdown with perennial rivals, Klein Forest. "The 4x100 race was an exhilarating clash against Klein Forest, our long-standing rivals at the regional level," Green revealed. "They always bring out the best in our girls, pushing them to new heights. Despite a momentary setback in the first leg, their unwavering resilience and unbreakable bond propelled them to victory, with each subsequent leg delivering exceptional performances."
Building on their early success, Duncanville continued their relentless pursuit of victory. Indyia Walton showcased her exceptional skills in the 100-meter hurdles, capturing a commendable fourth-place finish and adding crucial points to the team's total, which now stood at an impressive 20.
The 4x200-meter relay further solidified Duncanville's dominance as Kayli Hill (Sr), Dekayla Simpson (So), Aaliyah Gipson (Jr), and Ashley Lister (So) blazed their way to a silver medal finish, clocking an impressive time of 1:36.03. Their remarkable performance propelled the team's score to an impressive 36 points, firmly establishing their position as contenders.
Walton, a versatile athlete, once again graced the track, this time in the fiercely competitive 300-meter hurdles. Displaying unmatched determination, she elevated her game and secured a well-deserved bronze medal, recording a personal-best time of 42.44 seconds. Duncanville soared to the top of the team standings with an impressive 42 points, guaranteeing their claim to the 6A title with one event remaining—the highly-anticipated 4x400-meter relay.
With the team championship already in their grasp, Duncanville's 4x400-meter relay team, comprised of Ashley Lister (So), Aaliyah Gipson (Jr), Dekayla Simpson (So), and Kayli Hill (Sr), exhibited unwavering grit and determination in their pursuit of excellence. Though they narrowly missed the podium, their relentless drive shone through, as they clocked a season-best time, surpassing all expectations by a remarkable two seconds. This extraordinary effort added eight crucial points to the team's tally, solidifying their lead over second-place Klein Forest.
Coach Green couldn't contain her pride, emphasizing the immense support she received from her fellow coaches and the entire Duncanville community. "Seeing the dedication and hard work of all our teams culminate in this victory is mind-blowing," Green expressed with admiration. "We truly feel like a united family, having won together. Our coaches, teachers, and even the security guards have shown unwavering support, demonstrating their immense pride in our achievements."
The significance of this championship resonated deeply with Coach Green, a true devotee of the sport. "As a track junkie myself, this victory means the world to me. Having been immersed in the sport for so long, both as a coach and an observer, I understand the immense effort required to achieve this level of excellence. And we did it," Green concluded, basking in the glory of a historic triumph.
“Duncanville HS has a talented group of student-athletes and dedicated coaches.” said Superintendent Dr. Marc Smith. “Coach Green prepared the girls well and they executed as expected.”
In addition to a stellar performance by the girls, the Boys Track and Field team had five student-athletes compete in the meet bringing home the runner-up trophy for the second consecutive year. Interim Head Coach William Henderson did a great job stepping in and providing stability and leadership for our young men. According to Superintendent Dr. Marc Smith, “Coach Henderson kept the athletes focused on the goal.”