Hunt propels to fourth

Senior Gonzales triple jumper Marlena Hunt entered her second consecutive state qualification with one goal in mind to win it all.

Poised with having struggled in her first two attempts in the event in Austin, Hunt gave it one last heave and propelled to a fourth place finish after completing her personal best in her career.

Hunt cleared 37 feet, ¾ inches to finish in a respectable fourth place and slightly behind bronze medalist Deja Snell of Frisco Lone Star.

Snell earned third place with 37 feet, 9¾ inches cleared.

Imani Wright of Texarkana Liberty-Eylau blew the field open with a 40 foot, 5-inch leap and Michelle Lytle of Abiline Wylie took second place at 38 feet, 9 inches.

Hunt edged Tashona Williams of Sam Houston with a leap of 36 feet, 6-1/2 inches for gold at the Region IV 3A meet in Corpus Christi. Williams, who also qualified for state, placed seventh overall at the state meet with a leap of 35 feet, 3½ inches.

Hunt’s previous personal best of 36 feet, 10½ inches was accomplished at the Region IV meet last year as a junior.

1, Imani Wright, Texarkana Liberty-Eylau, 40-5

2, Michelle Lytle, Abilene Wylie, 38-9

3, Deja Snell, Frisco Lone Star, 37-9 ¾

4, Marlena Hunt, Gonzales, 37- ¾

5, Michaela Williams, Carrolton Ranchview 37-½

6, Kayla Winkfield, Giddings, 36-11½

7, Tashona Williams, Sam Houston, 35-3½

8, Bridgette Tuitt, Big Spring, 35-3