Community Champions: Austin High School track and field team

The Austin Panthers track and field team recently won the 1-5A district title for the first time in more than a decade and a half.

That makes them worthy of being Community Champions, sponsored by Southwest University.

After 16 years of waiting, the Panthers were able to capture the district crown, edging out Burges for the top spot.

“It’s pretty good because I think a couple of my uncles were around here when they were winning,” said Austin’s Carlos Rosales, who participates in discus and shot put. “And I was barely two years old, so it’s pretty good to know that we’re part of history.”

The Panthers say they were able to put past disappointments behind them and focus just on this year’s district meet.

“It felt pretty good. You know, we came up short last year, so we were hungry for it and really wanted it,” said 400-meter runner Ethan Villa.

But it wasn’t just a win for the track and field team. It was a win for the whole school.

“To bring it back for Austin really boosted the culture at the school,” said Villa.