AUSTIN – Bushland’s Jaxon Lawler came to the UIL Class 3A state track and field on a mission.
It’s safe to say Lawler accomplished that mission.
The skilled Bushland junior walked out of Mike A. Myers stadium with two medals Thursday highlighted by a gold in the shot put on top of a bronze in the discus.
“This means the world to me,” Lawler said. “I’ve been working so hard at this since I was in seventh grade. There have been so many throws over the years, whether it’s at meets or at practices, so, it’s just great to see it all pay off. I’ve gotten so much stronger and I’ve really stacked it on. I’ve put on 15 pounds and I’m feeling really good.”
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Lawler started his morning with a toss of 178-feet-5 inches on his third attempt to get the bronze in the discus to earn his first ever medal at the state track meet. In the afternoon, Lawler then dominated the shot put. The 6-foot-4, 265-pound Lawler set the tone early with a launch of 56-1 on his second attempt. That put Lawler in the lead for good. On his fourth attempt, Lawler had his top toss of the day at 57-2 1/4.
“Jaxon earned every bit of this,” Bushland throwing coach Ryan Hand said. “He works so hard for this. Jaxon is the hardest working guy we have and I’m so proud of him. He has a great attitude and he’s gifted. We have to tell him to leave the weight room and just go be a kid some times.”
Lawler also gained a measure of redemption at Mike A. Myers. Back in early April, Lawler came to compete at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays. Facing rainy conditions, Lawler struggled in the shot put only landing one throw of 48-feet, so getting back to this stadium, and being able to accomplish two medals including a state championship was very gratifying.
“I had a very rough Texas Relays,” Lawler said. “The rings were under water and I was uncomfortable. I think that helped to put myself in that situation and come redeem myself. It really wasn’t mental coming back. I knew I had the power and I was able to launch one after getting bronze in discus.”
Lawler is now set for a busy summer. The all-district two-way linemen is gearing up for a strong senior season for the Falcons football team. Lawler is gaining major traction with Division I offers from Wake Forrest, Rice, Air Force, Navy, New Mexico, and New Mexico State.
“It’s been awesome being recruited,” Lawler said. “It’s been a lot of fun to have all the school’s come out to Bushland. I’m taking some visits this summer and I’m hitting some camps, and I can’t wait for the season to start in August.”