Athlete of the Year
Simon HoldenSimon Holden
The most grueling boys’ events at the annual Spring Fling are the three track distance races, because all are run on the same day. Baylor junior Simon Holden didn’t just compete in the 3200-, 1600- and 800-meter events, he pulled away to win all three, becoming only the second local runner ever to accomplish that feat.
After winning the 3200 (9:38.43) in the morning, Holden returned to the track that afternoon with temperatures in the mid-90s to win the 1600 (4:25.35) and the 800 (1:55.38), then finished his day with a strong anchor leg in the 4×400 relay, passing two runners in that race to help Baylor finish fourth.
“It was pretty tough, that’s for sure,” said Holden, who admitted he would check over his shoulder in the first two races to make sure he was far enough ahead to conserve energy for the final run. “I felt strong the whole way and just ran my pace. It was a really special feeling to win all three.”
Coach of the Year
Larry CottonLarry Cotton