Texas
The El Paso contingent came over meaning business, and perhaps nowhere more so than in the distance events. Though perhaps a bit more acclimated to the warmth of the Valley of the Sun than some others, they didn't seem to really need any extra advantage. When it became apparent that Alek Parsons' race was just a bit off, Daniel Bernal was one of two to make a breakaway from the 3200 field. Bernal eventually outlasted Jordan Lesansee for the win in 9:15.23. We already mentioned Brian Lujan taking a very close second in the 1600.
In the explosive events, Arielle Mack took a very narrow second in the long jump, finishing an inch out of first at 18-1. Mack also went just a bit over 40 feet in the triple jump for another second-place effort. Dartez Hamlin, of course, took the 200 meters with a relatively comfortable margin. And Cody Johnson was not seriously threatened in either the 110H or 300H. Gabriel Navarro was one of three under 48 seconds in the 400, taking second in 47.92. And, El Paso Franklin's 3:19.03 took the early-season honors in the 4x400.