HEWITT – The future of Lamar Middle School track and field was on full display Tuesday at Panther Stadium, as the 7th Grade Bearcats tested their mettle against the elite of Central Texas. Following a grueling season of qualifiers, the Cen-Tex District Track & Field Championships served as the ultimate stage, bringing together only the top four finishers from last week’s divisional meets.

In a field crowded with the region's premier athletes, the Bearcats secured 11th place in the team standings. While River Valley dominated the evening to take the district crown with 190 points, and SC Lee and North Belton battled to a second-place tie (91 points), the story for Lamar was one of grit and individual progression.

Bennett Shines in Field Events

The spotlight for the Bearcats belonged to Jafari Bennett, who proved he belongs among the district’s elite jumpers. Competing in two of the most technically demanding field events, Bennett provided the spark for the Lamar scoring column.

In the High Jump, Bennett cleared a height of 4’10, soaring to a 5th place finish. He carried that momentum over to the Triple Jump pit, where he hopped, skipped, and jumped his way to another 5th place ribbon with a final distance of 34’9. His consistency across both disciplines accounted for the Bearcats' team points and solidified his reputation as a versatile threat in the jumps.

2026 Season Conclusion

The District Meet marks the official conclusion of the 2026 track and field season. For this group of 7th graders, the trip to Hewitt was more than just a competition; it was a baseline for what promises to be a bright future as they move toward their 8th-grade campaign.

While the Bearcats didn't land on the medal podium this time, the experience of competing at Panther Stadium against the "best of the best" provides the foundation for next year's pursuit of a district title.

Bearcat Participant Performance Summary

Jafari Bennett
High Jump: 4’10 (5th Place)
Triple Jump: 34’9 (5th Place)