Ladycats win silver, bronze at state

Aledo Ladycats track coach Mike Pinkerton was smiling so much it could hardly be contained in Mike A. Myers Stadium.

And why not? Two of his athletes had just won medals at the Class 5A State Track and Field Meet, one with a record-setting performance and the other capping a comeback from an injury that could have kept her from competing at all in 2023.

Add to that, a third — a freshman, at that — had a career-best performance and top-five finish.

"Not too bad at all," Pinkerton said.

Leading the performances was junior pole vaulter Taylor Hindman. She cleared 12 feet, 6 inches to place second and win a silver medal.

In the shot put, junior Lauren St. Peters had a throw of 46-4 for third place and a bronze medal. And in the 800-meter run, freshman Sofia Brandenburg finished fifth with the best time of her young career, 2 minutes, 13.32 seconds.

"Breaking the school record was like a dream! All my hard work and dedication payed off in that moment and the realization that my name would be on that board for a long time was an amazing feeling," said an excited Hindman. "Last year I did not do good as I could have at state, but it definitely served as a good learning experience that helped me to succeed this year. I knew the facility and how the meet was run, so I was much more comfortable this time around.

"Also the girls that made it on the podium with me were super awesome, and specifically Alexandra Harber (now three time state champ) was very sweet and helpful."

Harber, a senior, cleared 13-9.25 to win gold.

Hindman finished in a tie for seventh at state as a sophomore with fellow Ladycat and then freshman Maggie Kilburn, who was fourth at regionals this season.

"Taylor and I were talking, and she said she can't wait to go back and win gold," Pinkerton said, noting Hindman and St. Peters are the first Ladycats to medal at state since Sierra White finished second in the pole vault in 2019.

Hindman cleared the first four bars on her first attempt each time before finally having one miss at 12-6. 

"There are several skill factors in the vault and many athletes struggle with consistency, but it is a strength of Taylor’s," Aledo pole vault coach John Rhodes said. "She is not the tallest or the fastest athlete but she brings her best every time. I’m really excited to see what she can do as a senior."

St. Peters concluded her season with the second-best throw of her career — a season that might not have been were it not for her determination. She had knee surgery in early 2023, but she fought back to get a medal after narrowly missing with fourth-place finishes in the shot put and discus as a sophomore.

"For her to go through what she went through and get back here — and get on that podium — is nothing short of amazing," Pinkerton. "I am so proud of her and she is an inspiration to many."

St. Peters had the best throw of her career at regionals, and it was the top qualifying throw for state. She threw 47-5.75.

In a surprise upset, Serena Ramirez slipped past top-seeded St. Peters and second seed Madeleine Fey of Midlothian to win state with a throw of 48-7.75. Fey was second at 47-10.

Brandenburg clipped almost a full second off her previous best time of 2:14.21. In fact, she was in contention to medal herself, sitting in second place with 200 meters to go.

"Her inner motivation is unbelievable," Pinkerton said. "Now, Sofia has been here. She knows what it's like. She knows the procedures. I'm expecting great things of her in the years to come.

"I am just so proud of all these girls. They worked so hard and they came down here and it paid off — and I know they all want to come back and get more.”