Local AAU athletes qualify for nationals

The G-Town Striders, Gonzales’ AAU Track and Field team, competed in the Region 20 National Qualifiers June 28-30. After sending 24 athletes to the competition, the G-Town Striders came back with 13 athletes qualifying for the 2013 AAU Junior Olympic Games at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

The national competition, sanctioned by the AAU, will take place from July 28-August 3.

On the boys’ side of the track, the G-Town Striders will be sending seven athletes to Michigan for nationals.

In the eight and under category, both Miguel Moreno and Jeidon Tillis qualified for nationals in their respective events. Moreno placed second in the 1500-meter run while Tillis placed fifth in the 400-meter dash.

Treyton James competed in the 10-year group, placing third in shot put. David Sexton was with the 11-year, placing fifth in 1500-meter run.

Keiran Grant qualified in three events for nationals. In the 12-year group, Grant placed in fifth for the 100-meter, second in the 200-meter and third in the 400-meter dash.

Tyvione Roaches and Adrian James both qualified for the discus throw in the 13-year-old group. Roaches placed in fourth while James placed in fifth.

For the girls, the G-Town Striders will be sending six athletes to Michigan for nationalso.

Participating in the 10-year-old group was Savannah Heximer who placed third in the shot put.

Both Trinity James and Veronica Moreno participated in two events in their 11-year-old age group. James placed fifth in both the 1500-meter run and shot put while Moreno placed third in the 800-meter and 1500-meter run.

The Striders will be sending three athletes in the 12-year-old age group. Jzahden Eleby won first place in shot put and discus while Ariel Escobedo won second prize in shot put. Maria Mathis finished fourth to qualify in the 1500-meter run.