Los Fresnos' Fish practices readies for regional

Talented Los Fresnos runner Samantha Fish is trying to improve her skills for the next level.

And for any female athlete, ostensibly there is no better challenge to test ability than running with the boys.

With a few extra weeks to polish up, Fish and company are hoping her new practice demands will translate to better results Friday at the Region-IV Track & Field Meet in San Antonio.

"I think she is capable of going to state," Los Fresnos girls coach Jennifer Gantt said about the junior runner. "It's a whole new set of athletes at regionals, and I think she has as good a chance as anyone (to reach state)."

To prep for the mental and physical aspects of regional competition, Fish has been running with the likes of long distance runner and District 32-5A 800-meter champ Sylvester Fernandez.

"We're really trying to get the most out of Sam for her final two years and also setting up for her senior year," Gantt said. "So we are giving her a few extra challenges and running her with the boys, and she has been doing well."

Gantt added that it's not only benefited her gifted runner, but it's also pushed the boys, too.

"She is right there with them, and I think it's made the boys better, too," she said. "They don't want to get beat by her and she wants to beat them, so it's been good for both parties."

Fish took first place at district in the 1,600, winning by more than four seconds with a time of 5:25:47 over Pace's Andrea Avila. Avila also will compete in the regional meet in the 3,200 (12:14.07) after winning the event by 40 seconds in the district meet.

Fish also earned second in the 800 behind San Benito's Cinthia Adame.

"I've been running with the boys since my freshman year," Fish said. "They are always encouraging me and pushing me to run with them and stay with the group."

As much as Fish would like to make it to state and stand on the podium this weekend, her main focus is on getting better.

"I really want to hit my times in my events," she said. "I want to improve in everything, and we'll see what happens."

Louie Vera writes for Valley Freedom Newspapers. He can be reached at (956) 982-6663 or via e-mail at lvera@brownsvilleherald.com.