Photo credit: MCS Coaching Staff 

What happened: Midland Christian track and field capped its season with five TAPPS state championships, including titles in the boys 4×100 relay, 4×400 relay, 800 meters, 1600 meters, and shot put, while adding five runner-ups and four podium finishes across both the boys and girls programs.

The big picture: Braden Belew led the way with one of the top all-around seasons in the state, winning TAPPS state titles in the 800 and 1600 after posting season-best times of 1:55.45 and 4:28.07. He also finished second in the 400 (49.28). The boys’ relay teams dominated with state titles in the 4×100 (42.79) and 4×400 (3:23.30). Holt Brownlee placed second in the 300 hurdles (40.50).

In the field events, Rowdy Pearce captured a state title in shot put after recording a season-best throw of 58-02.50, while Isaiah Matthews finished second in shot put (56-00.50) and third in discus (153-10).

On the girls’ side, Madison Fietz placed second in the 100 hurdles (15.49), while Sarah Sheppard added a podium finish (16.04). Anna Ginsbach finished runner-up in the 300 hurdles (47.29), giving the Lady Mustangs three state placers in the girls’ hurdles. The girls also earned podium finishes in the 4×100 (49.40) and 4×200 relays (1:47.86).

What they’re saying: Head coach Chris Stonedale said the results reflect the program’s overall approach.

“Its a true testament to the coaches, athletes, and culture of our program to be able to go out there and compete,” Stonedale said. “We train as a team and win as a team. The 2nd and 3rd places and countless top 3 finishes are a result of the holistic nature of the program.”

Head coach Ashley Brinker said the season reflected the work the athletes put in throughout the year, especially the senior group that helped set the standard for the next generation of Midland Christian track athletes.