GAMES
RANKINGS
TWCA's Taylor Makiya
LEAVING A LEGACY: Makiya has something to prove in final stretch with the Warriors
Now, as a senior, it's her time to take center stage.
“I want to achieve greatness, but more than that, I want to set the standard for the girls who come after me,” Makiya said. “Anyone in a leadership role wants to leave a legacy and build a culture of dedication. That’s going to be one of my main focuses this year.”
Makiya is already a proven competitor, with two gold medals in the Shot Put from her first two trips to the TAPPS-5A State Meet. Though she finished with bronze in both Shot Put (36-08.00) and Discus (117-06.00) last year, she’s determined to return to the top in 2025.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I feel more motivated than ever,” she said. “I know what I’m capable of, and last year was humbling for me. Now, I have a sharper mindset. But at the end of the day, I’m grateful to God for everything I’ve accomplished here. It’s in His hands now, and whatever happens is for His glory alone.”
While her high school career is nearing its final stretch, Makiya has even more to look forward to after graduation. She recently committed to continue her athletic career at Stephen F. Austin University (SFA).
“Honestly, it was the culture at SFA that spoke to me,” she said. “They have excellent facilities, and I loved that they’re upgrading, which makes me believe I can grow just as much within their program. I’ve always wanted to be part of something special—just like I have been here at TWCA—but to experience that at the college level has always been my dream."
As always, Coach Tom Earle’s squad is expected to be a strong contender when the TAPPS-5A State Meet returns to Midway ISD’s Panther Stadium in May. And if all goes according to plan, Makiya will add another championship to her already decorated career.
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Some of the stars of 2022-23 Concordia Lutheran T&F
MEDAL SEASON: CLHS standouts make noise at TAPPS State
Despite some choppy weather conditions during Friday’s series of Field events, CLHS went to Panther Stadium (Hewitt, TX) primed to compete.
Concordia Lutheran's Ryley KlefstadBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The big headline was made by senior Ryley Klefstad who was named the TAPPS-6A State Champion in the Pole Vault event after leaping over a bar set 14 feet off the ground.
Concordia Lutheran would later have two more top placements, with junior Adele Neuhaus and sophomore Sara Ostermiller taking bronze in the Triple Jump (36-10.75) and Discus (108-03.00), respectively.
Concordia Lutheran's Adele NeuhausBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Saturday procured several impressive performances by the Crusaders as well, particularly with the Boys’ second-place finish in the 4x200 Relay with a time of just over 90 seconds.
While the overall team did not conclude last weekend as State Champions, the individual performances speak for themselves. Considering they have a relatively young group, expect ‘Sader Nation to be back for more a year from now.