Jackelyn Hernandez, West Plains, West Plains track and field, Soph.
On the track: Hernandez was definitely the MVP of the girls’ side of the District 4-4A track and field meet last week, leading the Lady Wolves to the programs first ever district championship. Hernandez was unbelievable both days qualifying for the area meet in four events.
In the field events, the sophomore popped off a leap of 18-feet-6 1/4 inches to win the long jump and earned bronze in the triple jump (34-5 1/2). During the running portion of the meet, Hernandez turned it up a notch, winning the 400-meter dash with a sprinting time of 59.32 and then left her mark as the anchor leg of the mile relay by holding off the prolific Addyson Bristow of Canyon to help get the gold for West Plains with a 4:01.5.
Hernandez is set to compete at the District 3-4A/ 4-4A area track and field meet at Lubbock-Cooper High School on Thursday.
Coach David Sutterfield: “Winning that district championship was a big deal for us. We’re a four-year program and this district is as strong as it gets and we all know how powerful Canyon is every year. This was a big step for us and it convinced our athletes we can compete with anyone. Jackelyn is such a stud and one of the biggest reason we won. She is one of the most fiercest competitors I’ve been around. She hadn’t gotten to compete in the triple jump since the first meet and got third, and then she is always incredible in the long jump. Going against Addyson Bristow from Canyon was a big deal to her. She has so much respect for a runner like Bristow, and she stepped up.”
Hernandez: “It’s been a great track season so far and I want to only get better. I’ve had an injury but I’m starting to get stronger and getting back to full strength. Winning that district championship last week was incredible. It was so exciting to share that with my teammates and to run against such a competitor like Addyson Bristow of Canyon. She is an incredible and going against her on the last leg of the mile relay gave me so much confidence.”
About Hernandez
Favorite band or musician: Miguel
Favorite social media platform: TikTok
Favorite athlete: Her brother, Jordi Hernandez.
Bet you didn’t know: She loves to snowboard.
Parents: Joel and Ericka Hernandez.