HIGH SCHOOL TRACK AND FIELD: Wink’s Smith, Monahans’ Santiago earn medals at state meet

Wink’s Autumn Smith and Hope Santiago of Monahans are both bringing back medals to the Permian Basin following the second day of the 2021 UIL State Track and Field Championships Friday at Mike A. Myers Stadium.

Smith finished third in the Girls Class 2A 3,200 meter race with a personal-best time of 11 minutes, 38.78 seconds. She finished just behind Schulenburg’s Taylor Limbaugh (11:38.70) and state champion Dylaney Weaver of Gruver (11:31.61). Smith also finished fifth (5:35.58) in the 1,600 late Friday night.

Santiago finished third in the girls 100 wheelchair, finishing with a time of 18.83 seconds to earn a bronze medal. She also finished fourth in the shot put (16 feet, 6.5 inches) and fourth in the 400 (1:17.81).

Zachary Carter of Monahans also finished fourth in the wheelchair shot put (17-8.75), 100 (18.47) and 400 (1:15.20).

Wink’s Danni Akers finished eighth (4-10) in the girls Class 2A pole vault while McCamey’s Denise Quinones was eighth (1:01.42) in the 400.

The event concludes Saturday with Class 1A and Class 6A competing.