Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas –1995, was the last year Edinburg North High School saw a state championship track athlete. Now, close to 30 years later in the year 2023 they are adding not only one, but two track state champions to their school history. Edinburg North High School is celebrating the remarkable achievements of two talented student-athletes, San Juanita Leal and Keyshawn Garcia, who earned a combined 3 gold medals at the 2023 UIL (University Interscholastic League) 6A Track & Field State Championship.
San Juanita Leal displayed her exceptional skills and determination by securing two gold medals in the 1600M and 3200M events. With impressive timings of 4:47:36 and 10:19:19, respectively, Leal claimed the title of 6A State Champion in both categories. Leal, who is coming back next year as a senior, explained her feelings on winning state, she said “I felt really confident, going into these races and I had high expectations of myself. My goal was to get on the podium, fortunately I brought home the gold. It still shocks me, I’m still processing everything, but it was a very emotional day that day. I cannot let up, next year I know my opponents are going to be working extremely hard and I want to defend my title,” said Leal.
Keyshawn Garcia also left his mark at the state meet, conquering the 800M race with a phenomenal performance.Garcia’s remarkable timing of 1:51:53 secured him the State Championship title in the event.
Garcia will be graduating this year as a part of the class of 2023; he hopes to continue his track career at the next level. “I feel so happy and I feel like I’ve accomplished everything I’ve been working so hard for. I was really nervous in the moment, but I wanted to just step on the track and show everyone what the RGV is all about. It was an incredible event; all of my opponents were the best of the best. SJ & I have been working hard for years, I’m just sohappy that we were both able to bring back the gold.” Garcia explained.
Both San Juanita and Keyshawn had the opportunity to train under Edinburg Legend Homer Martinez, who spokevery highly of the pair, he said “It’s very satisfying knowing all the hard work they put in paid off. You’re talking about one of the greatest, most competitive states in the country when it comes to track and field. Some of the best athletes come out of Texas, we knew we were at the state meet because of the level of difficulty and the talent of theother competitors. Words cannot express how proud I am of San Juanita & Keyshawn!”
The achievements of Leal and Garcia have brought immense pride to their families, friends, teachers, and coaches at Edinburg North High School. These outstanding student-athletes have become an inspiration to their peers,exemplifying the values of hard work, dedication, and passion.
Keyshawn Garcia added National Champion to his name this past weekend in Alabama with a Gold medal in the 800M race.
