Submitted photos
Seniors Parker Webb and Avery Ferguson traveled to Austin to compete in the State Track Competition on Thursday afternoon at Mike A. Myers Track & Soccer Stadium. It was the second time Webb was blessed to make a trek to Austin as he also went his Sophomore year, both times in the Discus. Ferguson also was making his fourth trip to Austin to compete in the 100-meter wheelchair dash.
Before we get into the State results. How did the track season go overall for Pampa athletes?
“I thought we had a very productive year. The kids really bought into the new workouts and just the overall concept of making themselves better. Track is a different sport. It's basically you against everyone else. Not everyone has the tools or genetics to win every event they compete in, but they can control the effort they put into workouts and the mindsets they have of just trying to get better,” Head Coach Eric Langhenning said. “That's what we tell the kids, you're not always going to win your event, but if your time or distance improves that week, then you are winning because you are making yourself better. We had every kid achieve their best at the District Track Meet. Every competitor achieved a PR on the day it mattered most. That is success in my opinion.”
Webb did not want to go into State just as a competitor but with the goal to bring a medal back to Pampa. Pampa had not had a Male State Medalist since 1996 when Athletic Director Floyd White got one during his high school career.
After a fault on his first attempt, he threw 167’9” on his second throw to put him in second place position. He faulted again on his third attempt and threw a 164’ on his fourth attempt. Then, came his fifth attempt. On this one he reached back to give it all. He threw a 183’4” - this shattered his previous personal record by 11’1.” The previous personal record was just set a few weeks back at Regionals. This throw placed Webb in first for a little while before Canyon’s Kelton Burgoon threw 188 '7 " to take over first place. Webb had one last attempt to try to get back in first place on his sixth throw. That one went for 157 '4.”
Webb finished in silver medal position with his throw of 183 '4.” It was a great day to be a Harvester with a Male State Medal coming back to Pampa for the first time in 30 years..
“I’m incredibly grateful to have made it this far. From getting last place to bouncing back when it matters most and being the newest state medalist since Coach (Floyd) White is an honor. I know I’m the best thrower in 4A but God is keeping me in this position for the greater future up ahead. All glory to God!” Webb said.
District 4-4A also completed the clean sweep in the discus as Canyon also had the bronze medalist, once again proving it is one of the toughest districts in the entire state.
Webb will now complete his final week of school as a Silver State Medalist before he heads to Cisco College in the fall to begin his college football career. Congratulations Parker Webb!
“Parker had a great three weeks. We were able to concentrate on little things and really work on technical components. He goes to Regionals and PR's to advance to State, then PR's again by 11 feet to become the Silver Medalist at State. I was told he was the first State Track medalist Pampa has had in 30 years, the last occurring in 1996 by Athletic Director Floyd White,” Langhenning said.
Senior Avery Ferguson also competed at state in the 100-meter wheelchair dash. He tied his own school record for a seventh-place finish with a time of 20.17 seconds.
“I am excited I got to go to State again! I have enjoyed being in track. It has taught me about responsibility, and I can do anything I set my mind to,” Ferguson said.
“Avery had a great year. Watching his work and drive is very inspiring. To make it to the State Track Meet four years in a row is a huge accomplishment. He tied his personal best and his own school record in the 100-meter. It's been an honor to help Coach (Tad) Smith in Avery's development and sharing his success and journey with those guys. It was special to have Coach Smith work with Avery and finish out his HS career with him. Coach Smith is a special individual and it was only fitting that he had the opportunity to finish what they started four years ago,” Langhenning said. “I'm very proud of these young men and the work and leadership they showed all year. The goal is to continue to build a solid program and help kids better themselves as competitors and as great young men.”
