Mackie Land, Panhandle, track, Sr.
On the track: Land put on a tremendous display at the 66th Amarillo Relays Meet of Champions on Saturday afternoon at Dick Bivins Stadium.
The Texas Tech signee started her day in impressive fashion racing basically by herself in the 400 meter dash to a season-best time of 55.25, which broke Sommer Wilder of Canyon’s 400 meter dash record set in 2014 of 56.19.
Land then ran the 200 meter dash for the first time this year, and won that race with ease clocking a 25.13. She then capped the meet gaining a third gold medal with her 1600 meter relay team of Avery Sides, Sydney Adee and her younger sister, Leah Land. Running the anchor leg, Land and Panhandle left Amarillo High and Randall behind clocking a 4:05.70.
Coach Corby Maurer: “We wanted to change it up for Mackie a little bit. There was really good competition there so we wanted to see what she could do running the 400 meter run, then run the 200 meter, and the mile relay. She cut it loose in the 400 on Saturday, then not 45 min later she ran a great 200. It was impressive to watch. I’m wasn’t surprised by what she does. She works extremely hard at a very high level. I don’t have to ask her to do anything. She has a different level of intensity you can’t teach. She’s so tough and a great competitor. We’re lucky to have her.”
Land: “Getting that record and setting a new season record was big to me. I didn’t break 56 seconds until the district meet last year. Breaking the meet record was something I had my eye on, because I came really close a year ago also. So my goal was to come in and run as fast as I could to get that. Being a part of the mile relay and what we’re doing right now is special. My little sister (Leah Land) is on that relay, and I think team is just so important. I wouldn’t be where I am without my teammates. When you’re training, you’re training to make each other better. I love that.”
About Land
Favorite band or musician: Koe Wetzel
Favorite social media platform: Instagram
Favorite athlete: Athing mu (Olympic athlete)
Bet you didn’t know: She takes lot of pride of being in the weight room.
Parents: Mark and Callie Land.