AUSTIN — West Rusk shot putter Kason Reed and the 4×200-meter relay girls Chloe Petty, Isabella Mata, Kamyah Lacy and Keke Murphy finished their season competing against the best in the state at the Conference 3A UIL State Track and Field Championships on Thursday at Mike A. Myers Stadium.

West Rusk’s head track and field coach Lee Clark was also named the NFHS Track and Field Coach of the Year in recognition of leading the boys’ team to a state championship win, the school’s first, in 2023.

Reed finished eighth in the state for the boys shot put final, throwing 52-7.75 feet. His sixth and last attempt was his best distance of the day. It was an emotional moment for the senior as he reflected on the season that led him to his first appearance at the state meet.

“I’m happy that I made it down here. I just wish I could’ve performed a tad bit better. But I’m just thankful I actually qualified, so I can’t be too upset about it,” said Reed. “I wish I would’ve had just one more chance to get out there. I’m grateful I had this season. I know most people don’t get this opportunity and I just thank God for everything.”

The relay girls team finished seventh overall with a time of 1:43.72, faster than their qualifying time (1:44.18).