AUSTIN — Madison Pecot headed to the UIL State Track and Field Meet as the favorite in the Class 2A pole vault, and the White Oak standout left with a gold medal.

Pecot won the event with a best of 12-0, holding off Edna’s Kaylynn Grudzieski (11-03) and Whitney’s Sam Redding (11-0) at Mike A. Myers Stadium.

“I’ve been to state before with volleyball, but winning a gold medal is a different story. It’s truly a blessing,” Pecot said.

The Ladyneck standout cleared 12-0 at regional competition to take the top jump into Friday’s state meet.

“I wasn’t ever under any pressure,” she said. “I knew I just had to go out and do my best. It was exciting knowing I was the favorite according tot he numbers. It took me a couple of jumps to get it. That (12-0) is my best. I’ve done it throughout the season, but it took me a couple of jumps today.”

Pecot said having a large crowd of supporters from White Oak on hand was a boost. “My classmates are really competitive, and we’re a family,” Pecot said. “We cheer for each other and today with the crowd and my classmates there it was a big inspiration.”

Junior – Riley Lakin joined Pecot at the award stand finishing in second place on Saturday in the Boys Pole Vault.

Laking cleared 14’09” for the second time this season.

Other athletes to compete at the State meet were, Sr Whitney Simmons in the Discus. Jason Heim in the Discus, Cayman Sutton, Kadrienne Sanders, Madison Pecot, Dorothy Swanson 4×400 Relay