The Fort Stockton boys track team competed in the District 2-4A preliminary races and field event finals on April 9 at Andrews High School.

Eight Panthers qualified for the area meet during Saturday’s competition and more will have the opportunity to do so on April 14 during the running event finals.

The 3,200 meter-run was the only running event to complete a final race on Saturday and a pair of Panthers qualified for the area meet in the event.

Fabian Perez was crowed the 3,200 district champion with a time of 10 minutes 34.54 seconds. Juan Vela also qualified in the event with a thirdplace finish (10:48.84).

Zane Hodges, Caleb Garcia, and Aryan Hernandez qualified for the area meet in the triple jump by placing first, third, and fourth respectively. Hodges earned a gold medal in the event with a leap of 43 feet ¼ inches. Garcia jumped 42-8 1/5 and Hernandez leaped 41-2 to claim the final qualifying spot.

Elijah Escajeda earned bronze medals in both the discus (143-9) and shot put (43-6 ¼). Both marks were personal records for the senior.

Cruz Rojas will join Escajeda in a throwing event at regionals after a fourth-place finish in shot put with a personalbest throw of 43 ½.

Connor Miller took fourth in the pole vault with a personal-best clearance of 12 feet.