The Chapin High School girls track and field program figures to play a prominent role during the 2026 Class 5A state track and field meet on the campus of the University of Texas.
Two individuals and a relay team will mark Chapin’s presence on Friday, May 15.
Laurin Gardner aims for gold medal in 100 meters
Last year as a freshman, Gardner just missed out on a chance to qualify for state in the 100 meters with a fouth-place finish at regionals.
However, Gardner worked hard, continued to develop and enters the 2026 state meet with the No. 1 seed time of 11.49 seconds. She will compete against eight other runners. The 11.49 seconds is a Chapin school record.
“I just battled and kept working hard and tried to be the best I could every day,” Gardner said. “Running the time I did at regionals was an amazing feeling. I feel good going to state.”
Even though she didn’t qualify for state in 2025 in the 100, Gardner was part of the 4×200 meter relay team that competed at state.
“Qualifying for state last year was great and seeing that big stage for the first time helped me grow,” Gardner said.
Sianna Butler makes most of her move to 200 meters
Butler, who is a junior, didn’t even start running the 200 meters until this season, but now she’s a first-time state qualifier as an individual.
What’s even more impressive is that Butler was needed ninth at regionals, but finished first to qualify for state. She is seeded sixth entering state with a time of 24.01 seconds. She will compete against eight other runners.
“The 200 meters is something I enjoy, I finish races with great energy and the added distance helps me,” Butler said. “To go from ninth seed to winning it was a great feeling. My teammates, coaches push me and support me. The competition within our program helps motivate me.”
Chapin’s 4×100 meter relay team could factor in medal chase
Gardner, Butler and Aahniyah Clayton were part of the 4×200 state qualifying team in 2025. This year, those three were joined by Ambrielle Buckley to make up the state qualifying 4×100 relay team, which is seeded fourth out of nine teams with a time of 45.91 seconds.
“The chemistry has come together really well with the relay team,” Chapin girls track and field coach Mario Gomez said. “The kids deserve what they have gotten this year because of all the hard work they have put in.”
Speaking of Chapin coach Mario Gomez
Now in his 10th year as the girls track and field coach of the Huskies, he has had 25 athletes qualify for the state track and field meet.
“It’s always special going to Austin and these are great kids we have going,” Gomez said. “It takes a special effort to make state and lots of dedication.”
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Chapin’s successful girls track team on display at UIL state in Austin
Reporting by Felix F. Chavez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
