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Burnet sophomore runner Hudson Bennett crosses the finish line in first place at Thursday’s 3200 meter state race held on the campus of the University of Texas. Bennett entered the race as the number four seed behind the three runners pictured with him above but shaved more than 12 seconds off his regional time to earn the state crown. Photos by Wayne Craig/Clear Memories -
Burnet long-distance runner Hudson Bennett displays a big smile while standing atop of the awards podium with his newly earned golden state medal hanging around his neck. The Burnet tenth-grader edged out several senior runners for the top award in the 3200 meter race at the UIL State Meet on Thursday.
Thursday was a special day for a talented BHS sophomore distance runner. Hudson Bennett lined up against the best the state of Texas has to offer in the 4A bracket of the UIL State Championships and he quickly proved why he deserved to be there.
The accomplishments of this BHS athlete in just one day are astounding. Bennett won a state championship in the grueling 3200 with a phenomenal effort.
He set two new school records, beating his own in the 3200 while capturing a new record in the 1600. Both of his times at state were new personal records and could not have come with better timing. He shaved an impressive amount of time off his regional qualifying times and ended the day with his second state medal, a bronze in the 1600.
By the numbers in the 3200 Bennett captured the gold with a 9:33.25. That had him shaving over 12-seconds off his regional qualifying time catapulting him from his fourth place seed all the way to the gold medal. The 9:33.25 broke the BHS school record that Bennett set just a few weeks back and is now his new best personal time.
Following Bennett in the 3200 was Edwin Gomez, San Elizario, second, 9:33.66; Lucas Tauch, Melissa, third, 9:35.25; Samuel Ashley, Canyon, fourth, 9:36.90; Alex Speer, Robinson, fifth, 9:40.21; Kenny Bibb, Anna, sixth, 9:56.62; Angel Rodriguez, Hondo, seventh, 9:57.02; Micah Swann, Athens, eighth, 10:16.63; and Jackson White, Boerne, ninth, 10:23.51.
“I’ve never been more nervous in my life,” said Bennett following Thursday’s race. “It’s a strange feeling knowing everyone around you is just as fast as you and put in just as much work.”
The 3200 may not be the flashiest race at the state meet but it takes the most calculations. A runner needs to not only be talented as far as the distance goes, but they must also have a good knowledge of what their body is capable of.
“It’s a patient race and a test of self-discipline,” said Bennett. “It’s a very strategic race and every part of the process is planned out.”
Bennett says being a great long distance runner takes focus, a lot of miles and locking in at all times. When asked what it was like when he won the 3200 Bennett lit up with excitement.
“It was surreal. I don’t think it hit me right away, what I had just accomplished. I just couldn’t believe it,” said the Burnet sophomore. “I love the feeling you get after a race. That feeling of accomplishment makes it all worth it.”
After his morning success in the 3200 Bennett spent the rest of the day preparing to step into the spotlight again. On Thursday evening Burnet’s newest gold medalist stepped to the starting line again at the state meet, this time facing the best of the state’s 1600 meter runners.
It was another record breaking performance. Bennett posted a 4:23.96 which earned him a third place finish and his second state medal of the day. That mark blew away his number six seeding time from regionals which was a 4:29.34. It also improved his personal best mark from a 4:27.94 and set a new school record surpassing the old record of 4:26.
Samuel Ashley of Canyon won the 1600 with a 4:21.73. Korbin Shumate, Sanger, placed second with a 4:23.25; Bennett, Burnet, third, 4:23.96; Christian Escobedo, Snyder, fourth, 4:24.42; Edwin Gomez, San Elizario, fifth, 4:25.33; Alex Speer, Robinson, sixth, 4:26.44; Lucas Tauch, Melissa, seventh, 4:35.02; Angel Rodriguez, Hondo, eighth, 4:36.25; and Andrew Pollard, Needville, ninth, 4:37.96.
“I would like to thank you coaches,” said Bennett at the end of a long but rewarding Thursday. “They motivate me every day. Thank you to Coach Rye, Coach Carr, Coach Kiser and Coach Schrader.”
