TEMPLE, TX — Under the bright lights of Wildcat Stadium, the Lamar Middle School 8th Grade Bearcats showcased their grit and speed at the Temple School Cen-Tex Divisional Meet on April 1. With the stakes high and a trip to the District Championships on the line, several Bearcats rose to the occasion, securing their spots for next week’s big finale.

The Bearcats finished 6th Place in the overall team standings with 63 points. North Belton claimed the top spot with 178 points, while SC Lee followed in 2nd with 131. While the team race was competitive, the individual stories of the night belonged to the athletes who finished in the top four, officially qualifying for the Cen-Tex Middle School District Championships.

Leading the Charge: Top Performers & Qualifiers

The highlight of the evening was a dominant performance in the Shot Put, where Noah Bolivar stood atop the podium. Bolivar took 1st Place with a powerhouse throw of 40’5, securing his status as a gold medalist and a favorite heading into Hewitt. Joining him on the podium was Anthony Martin, who took 3rd Place with a toss of 38’9, ensuring Lamar will have a strong presence in the throwing ring at District.

On the track, Damian Mitchell-Ferris proved to be the workhorse for the Bearcats. Mitchell-Ferris qualified in three separate individual events:

200 meters: 2nd Place (24.31)
100 meters: 3rd Place (11.81)
Long Jump: 3rd Place (17’9 ½)

Distance and mid-distance specialist Raymond Velasquez also earned his ticket to Hewitt with a stellar run in the 400 meters, clocking in at 59.49 to take 3rd Place.

Complete Bearcat Results

Every Bearcat who stepped onto the track or field contributed to the team's 63-point total. Here is how the full roster performed at Wildcat Stadium:
Sprints & Hurdles

Damian Mitchell-Ferris: 100m (3rd – 11.81); 200m (2nd – 24.31)
Rogelio Flores Mojica: 100m (12th – 12.68); 200m (9th – 26.29)
Harlem Taylor: 100m (16th – 12.74)
A’Lontre Luster: 200m (11th – 26.72)
Truewin Waller: 110 Hurdles (11th – 20.49)
Brayden Tobe: 110 Hurdles (14th – 21.41); 300 Hurdles (15th – 55.40)
Riley Davis: 110 Hurdles (17th – 22.10); 300 Hurdles (6th – 50.75)
William McKnight: 300 Hurdles (17th – 1:03.11)

Distance & Mid-Distance

Raymond Velasquez: 400m (3rd – 59.49); 800m (6th – 2:26.04)
Amel Salgado: 400m (9th – 1:01.73); 800m (9th – 2:31.26)
Andreas Reigle: 800m (15th – 2:57.00); 1600m (18th – 7:31.09)
Matheo Chavana: 1600m (14th – 6:37.07); 2400m (8th – 10:04.24)
Tristen Williams: 1600m (15th – 6:49.10); 2400m (12th – 11:07.05)
Jacob Ellinger: 2400m (14th – 13:44.16)
Field Events
Noah Bolivar: Shot Put (1st – 40’5)
Anthony Martin: Shot Put (3rd – 38’9)
Martin Partida: Discus (5th – 95’0)
Damian Mitchell-Ferris: Long Jump (3rd – 17’9 ½); High Jump (8th – 4’10)
Truewin Waller: Long Jump (8th – 16’7 ½); High Jump (7th – 4’10); Triple Jump (7th – 33’10)
A’Lontre Luster: High Jump (8th – 4’10)
Liam Izunza: Long Jump (12th – 15’4 ½); Triple Jump (6th – 34’0)
Brayden Tobe: Triple Jump (14th – 29’11)

Relays

4x100 Relay: 6th Place (49.54) – Harlem Taylor, A’Lontre Luster, Liam Izunza, Damian Mitchell-Ferris
4x200 Relay: 5th Place (1:45.53) – Harlem Taylor, Riley Davis, Liam Izunza, Damian Mitchell-Ferris

Next Stop: District

The qualifying Bearcats will now turn their attention to the Cen-Tex Middle School District Championships on April 7th. The meet will be held at Panther Stadium on the campus of Midway High School in Hewitt.

Field events are set to kick off at 4:00 PM, followed by the running finals at 6:00 PM. Good luck to all our advancing athletes—Go Bearcats!