Bonnie Richardson, from tiny Rochelle, Texas (population 600), has accomplished what no other Texas high school track and field athlete has ever achieved: back-to-back team state championships – by herself.
Richardson captured first in the long jump (17-04.50), second in the discus (126-09) and first in the high jump (5-8) on Friday for a total of 28 points. Returning to Myers Stadium on the campus of the University of Texas on Saturday, Richardson placed third in the 200 (25.78) and fourth in the 100 (12.51) for a two-day total of 38 points – two points better than second-place Cayuga in Class A.
In her typical laid-back fashion, Richardson didn’t get too excited.
“My family already did the math,” Richardson said while waiting for her celebratory prime rib sandwich at Red Robin restaurant. “They were jumping up and down; it was kind of embarrassing.”
Since Rochelle High School has no track, Richardson – this year’s entire girls’ track team – practices at nearby Brady High School, where there are gas stations and a Wal-Mart.