Five students sent to state

Devine’s tradition of excellence was carried on through five athletes who competed at the state track meet on Sat. May 16. Senior Josephine Guzman took third in the 800 meter race, while senior Joe Guerrero, juniors Tyler Carter and Robert Martinez and sophomore Dillon Ricord placed eighth in the state in the 800 meter relay race.

“This year we had a goal of making it to state, not just for ourselves but for Coach Cozby,” Carter said. “We exceeded the limits by not only making it to state, but doing well in our regular season and breaking our school record.”

The success during district is part of what prepared the boys for what they would face at state, but of course, the state meet itself was a lesson for all of them.

“It was a great experience for all of us,” Ricord said. “However, seeing the competition for next year means that we still have a lot to improve on.”

As for the seniors, this last meet was an important and sentimental one.

“I ran my last race Saturday, but I’m never going to forget what that felt like,” Guerrero said. “All the glory goes to God, always.”

As for Guzman, being able to return to state once took work, but it paid off.

“It took so much work and determination for me to get to state this year,” Guzman said. “We had a tough district and region and I had to sacrifice a lot of my spare time and work really hard at my running.”

All that dedication makes appreciating her success much easier.

“State went really well this year and I couldn’t have been happier with my third place finish, considering I placed fifth last year,” Guzman said. “I was out for revenge, and I am proud to have improved from last year.”

This may have been her last high school race, but Guzman will continue to run in her future at Texas A&M Kingsville.

“I’m sad that my running days at DHS are over but I’m thrilled to see what Texas A&M Kingsville brings me,” Guzman said. “I will be running cross country and indoor and outdoor track there.”