Montwood's William McLilly seeks state berth in Class 6A state track and field meet

William McLilly had a passion for competing on the basketball court, but along the way his passion changed and the high jump in track and field took over.

Now the senior is one step away from a spot in the Class 6A state track and field meet. McLilly heads into this weekend's Region I-6A meet at Maverick Stadium in Arlington with plenty of momentum. He claimed the District 1-6A title, then followed that up with an area title and a 6-foot, 2-inch mark last Friday at Franklin High School.

"My confidence is good right now and I feel good headed into regionals," he said "As I progress in this event I learn more and more with each meet. Winning area was big for me, I want to be consistent and regionals is a big opportunity for me to prove myself. Earning a trip to state would make it worth it."

McLilly can earn an automatic berth to state with a top two finish.

Montwood coach Orlando Hairston said he believes McLilly can do big things at the regional meet.

"William has come so far in his career in the high jump," Hairston said. "He has so much potential in the event and he'll continue to get better in the future."

That future includes competing in college at Division II Eastern New Mexico.

"I still have so much growth in the high jump and I'll look to compete in the other jumps," McLilly said. "Getting the opportunity to compete at the next level is something I'm excited about and it gives me a chance to compete at a different level."

Athletes to watch UIL Region I-6A Track and Field Championships

Class 6A

• Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood,1,600 and 3,200 meters

• Aidan Danny Torres, Eastwood, 3,200 meters and 1,600 meters

• Sarah Dovenbarger, Eastlake, pole vault

• Mont Packer, Franklin, pole vault

• Jordan Morales, Franklin, first in 100 meters

• Emily Orr, Franklin, 800 meters

• Mark Barajas, Pebble Hills, 800 meters

• Owen Levesque, Coronado 110 meter hurdles

Class 4A and 5A

• Idaly Martinez, Fabens, 100, 200 meters and long jump.

• Alexia Martinez, Fabens, 800, 1,600 and 3,200 meters.

• Ajah Walker, San Elizario, 100 meter hurdles and triple jump

• Amarie Brown, Bel Air, 100 meters.

• Cydney Davis, Bel Air, triple jump, 100 meter hurdles.

• Rebecca Duran, Chapin, 800 and 1, 600 meters

• Julianna Patton, 100 meter hurdles, 300 meter hurdles and long jump.

• Delanie Harrison, Burges, shot put and discus.

• Salvador Duarte, Austin, 100 and 200 meters.

• Isaac Rocha, Clint, 100 meter hurdles and 300 meter hurdles.

• Joseph Gomez Whitten, Parkland, 100 and 200 meters.

• Seth Truax, Chapin, who made state in in Class 5A last year, won the 800 meters.

• Miles Westbrook, El Paso High, 1,600 and 3,200 meters.

More: HS Scoreboard El Paso Times high school sports scoreboard for week of April 15-20

Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Montwood's William McLilly preparing for UIL regional track