June 6, 2009

Teen wins team state title by herself - again

Teen wins team state title by herself - again

Stuart Kantor
Special to Rivals High

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Bonnie Richardson, from tiny Rochelle, Texas (population 600), has accomplished what no other Texas high school track and field athlete has ever achieved: back-to-back team state championships – by herself.

Richardson lunges for the finish in the 100.

Richardson captured first in the long jump (17-04.50), second in the discus (126-09) and first in the high jump (5-8) on Friday for a total of 28 points. Returning to Myers Stadium on the campus of the University of Texas on Saturday, Richardson placed third in the 200 (25.78) and fourth in the 100 (12.51) for a two-day total of 38 points – two points better than second-place Cayuga in Class A.

In her typical laid-back fashion, Richardson didn't get too excited.

"My family already did the math," Richardson said while waiting for her celebratory prime rib sandwich at Red Robin restaurant. "They were jumping up and down; it was kind of embarrassing."

Since Rochelle High School has no track, Richardson – this year's entire girls' track team – practices at nearby Brady High School, where there are gas stations and a Wal-Mart.

"Brady's going to town," she said.

For the second consecutive year, Richardson went to town on the competition. She said her performance last year was "a little better, but I high jumped better this year and threw the disc better. I can't be too disappointed."

News of Richardson's feat spread last year as she dominated the University Interscholastic League State Championships. Now she's the first to do it twice.