After placing in the top two for two events, the girls’ relay team (made up—in running order— by junior Ryan Allen, senior Bre’Anna Harlin, junior Sydnee Wilson and senior Te’Anna Harlin) will represent the Farmers at the track and field UIL State Championships. The state meet will run from May 12-14 and will be held at the University of Texas at Austin.

“I expected our girls 4×100 and 4×200 to win Region,” track and field coach Heather Moss said. “I think they could win [at] state or place top three for sure.”

The girls ran a 46.22 to win the 4×100 relay at Region, placing them in first for the event for all three postseason meets so far. At the Area meet in Coppell, the girls 45.77 time set the school record for the 4×100 relay, showing the improvement of the team after years of competing together. 

“Our strongest is still definitely our 4x team, definitely our 4x team,” Te’Anna said. “We could probably improve [by] getting our handoffs faster in our 4×1.” 

The team also finished second in the 4×200 relay to qualify with a time of 1:39.03, about a second behind Arlington Bowie’s relay team. It marks a second consecutive year in which the team qualifies for the event at state. 

“The girls’ relay team has had three years of consistent relay legs,” Moss said. “These girls have been running together for three years now and we have had the same relay order for two years. They can do silent handoffs and have the chemistry as well.”

Te’Anna and Bre’Anna Harlin also competed as individuals in 100 and 200 meter races respectively; Te’Anna ran an 11.96, one tenth of a second behind second place. Bre’Anna placed fifth with a time of 24.83. 

“I feel like I can improve personally on my own races and getting out faster,” Bre’Anna said. “Also getting out of my head and having more confidence in myself.” 

The girls ended up placing fifth in 6A Region 1 with 44 points, one behind Northwest Nelson and three behind Coppell. Another District 6-6A school, Flower Mound, won the meet with 74 points. The team already made significant strides this season, with the relay team continuing to break their own records set in previous seasons and the girls’ team overall showing a high level of competition. 

“We were third place as a team for the girls program at District and that is something I don’t think has been done before,” Moss said. “It definitely has been over 10 years since the girls’ program has placed as a team at the district meet.”

Now a year removed from a fourth place finish in the 4×200 relay and an overall 24th place finish at State, players and coach alike are placing value on taking care of their bodies and ensuring they’re in prime position to compete. With the Harlin sisters competing in their final high school event before enrolling at TCU, staying healthy through the off-season is key. 

“Now, it is all about resting and staying healthy,” Moss said. “It is also about your place, not so much the time. We are running to [win] and stay healthy.”