Sports > Schools
Top 10 The Colony Sports Stories of 2011: 3. Apari takes fourth at state in high jump
BY JUSTIN THOMAS, jthomas@acnpapers.com
Whitney Apari picked the perfect time to put on her best performance of the season May 2-3 at the UIL Class 4A Region II Championships in Abilene as the freshman high-jumper grabbed a gold medal to advance to the state meet (Friday and Saturday from Mike A. Meyers Stadium at the University of Texas in Austin).
The Lady Cougars placed 18th as a squad (10), while Arlington Seguin (70) took the team-title. On the boys side, The Colony placed 24th (8), while Denton Ryan earned first (59).
Apari's previous personal best was 5-foot-4, however, she upped that by three inches (5-7) in Abilene to take gold, edging out Stephenville's Becca Hall (5-6).
"She had the highest jump out of any region," said Nick Benton, The Colony track and field coach, "so she'll definitely be heading to state as one of the favorites based on that result. She's an unbelievable athlete and is making the first of what could be multiple appearances at state."
Apari will continue with her normal routine with trainer and coach Scott Johnson leading up to state. Benton told her she may have to outperform her previous distance to take gold.
The Colony's Gerald Thomas, meanwhile, earned bronze in the 400 (48.90) behind Crowley's Joshua Washington (48.24) and Canyon Randall's Tristen Woods (48.83). Thomas' time placed him 10th amongst all regional competitors, narrowly missing out on the new "wild card spot" that goes to the fastest non-qualifier in the state (ninth place).
"Gerald did a great job," Benton said. "Obviously, he would have liked to advance. But to have his best time of the year and just miss out, he gave a great effort."
Thomas also competed on the 1,600 relay team with Terren Carter, Justin Mitchell and Bryan Hammond that finished seventh (3:27.63).
"They ran well," Benton said. "And the good thing about them is that they will all be back next year and can make another run at it."
Rounding out The Colony competitors were Tyler Jacobs in the 1,600 (eighth -- 4:32.02) and 3,200 (fifth -- 9:58.25); Erin Dombkowski in the 1,600 (23rd -- 5:48.50) and 3,200 (17th -- 12:35.39); Madison Dombkowski in the 1,600 (20th -- 5:44.57); Kylie Covington in the 100 hurdles (24th -- 19.27); the girls 800 relay (18th -- 1:49.62); the girls 1,600 relay (15th -- 4:11.89); Benjamin Bibby in discus (eighth -- 152-03) and shotput (18th -- 41-04), Richard Welter in the 1,600 (20th -- 4:52.36) and Georgia Whitley in girls pole vault (10th -- 9.0).
"Overall, the kids competed very well," Benton said. "I was very pleased with how they performed in my first season here. It was a great season."
The Lady Cougars placed 18th as a squad (10), while Arlington Seguin (70) took the team-title. On the boys side, The Colony placed 24th (8), while Denton Ryan earned first (59).
Apari's previous personal best was 5-foot-4, however, she upped that by three inches (5-7) in Abilene to take gold, edging out Stephenville's Becca Hall (5-6).
"She had the highest jump out of any region," said Nick Benton, The Colony track and field coach, "so she'll definitely be heading to state as one of the favorites based on that result. She's an unbelievable athlete and is making the first of what could be multiple appearances at state."
Apari will continue with her normal routine with trainer and coach Scott Johnson leading up to state. Benton told her she may have to outperform her previous distance to take gold.
The Colony's Gerald Thomas, meanwhile, earned bronze in the 400 (48.90) behind Crowley's Joshua Washington (48.24) and Canyon Randall's Tristen Woods (48.83). Thomas' time placed him 10th amongst all regional competitors, narrowly missing out on the new "wild card spot" that goes to the fastest non-qualifier in the state (ninth place).
"Gerald did a great job," Benton said. "Obviously, he would have liked to advance. But to have his best time of the year and just miss out, he gave a great effort."
Thomas also competed on the 1,600 relay team with Terren Carter, Justin Mitchell and Bryan Hammond that finished seventh (3:27.63).
"They ran well," Benton said. "And the good thing about them is that they will all be back next year and can make another run at it."
Rounding out The Colony competitors were Tyler Jacobs in the 1,600 (eighth -- 4:32.02) and 3,200 (fifth -- 9:58.25); Erin Dombkowski in the 1,600 (23rd -- 5:48.50) and 3,200 (17th -- 12:35.39); Madison Dombkowski in the 1,600 (20th -- 5:44.57); Kylie Covington in the 100 hurdles (24th -- 19.27); the girls 800 relay (18th -- 1:49.62); the girls 1,600 relay (15th -- 4:11.89); Benjamin Bibby in discus (eighth -- 152-03) and shotput (18th -- 41-04), Richard Welter in the 1,600 (20th -- 4:52.36) and Georgia Whitley in girls pole vault (10th -- 9.0).
"Overall, the kids competed very well," Benton said. "I was very pleased with how they performed in my first season here. It was a great season."
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