Mustang Stampede

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Talia Falco knew she had to be at her best.

In a meet at which she was a favorite heading into all four of her events, the Lakewood Ranch High junior tried to relax and focus on what she could control — putting together a state-worthy performance.

She was able to do just that.

Falco finished in the top four in all four of her events at the Class 3A-Region 3 meet April 23, at Tampa Leto High, including winning the triple jump with a jump of 36 feet, 10.5 inches.

Unlike last season when she failed to qualify in the triple jump, one of her better events, Falco secured herself a spot in this year’s FHSAA Class 3A track and field championships May 3, in Jacksonville.

In addition to the triple jump, Falco qualified in the high jump, long jump and 100 hurdles.

“It was kind of expected,” Falco says. “Last year, I was disappointed that I didn’t qualify for the triple jump. I had an off day. So, to be able to get back and do what I should’ve done last year (was exciting).”

Falco wasn’t the only Mustang to put together a highlight-worthy performance at the regional meet.

Falco’s younger sister, Sophia, also qualified for the state championships in all four of her events, including winning the long jump with a jump of 17 feet, 9.5 inches. She also set a personal best in the 100-meter dash, finishing in 11.97 seconds.

“That was really a surprise to me,” Sophia Falco says. “I didn’t believe it at first. I was really happy. I didn’t plan to be a sprinter. I was thinking about doing longer distances, but because I’m doing so well, I think I’ll stick to the shorter distances.”

Sophia Falco also qualified in the 4x100 and 4x400 relays.

With their combined eight top-four finishes, the Falco sisters helped lead the Lakewood girls track team to a first-place finish in the team competition. The Lady Mustangs scored 77 points to finish ahead of Golden Gate (44).

Lakewood finished with two individual regional champions, two individual state qualifiers and qualified all three of its female relay teams.

“We blew it away at the district meet, so we knew most likely we would win it,” Falco says of the regional meet. “It’s good comfort knowing we’ll be up top for state.”

The sisters plan to compete in at least three, if not all four, of their events.

Falco hopes to place in the high jump, her signature event, while Sophia Falco focuses on the long jump and the 100.

“Last year, the weather and circumstances weren’t the best, so this year I’m just hoping to perform at my best and possibly place,” Falco says. “You can’t go in thinking you’re going to do amazing. You just have to go in and do the best you can and hopefully it turns out the way you want it to.”

After watching Falco and her other older sister, Gabrielle, compete in last year’s state championships, Sophia Falco looks forward to sharing the experience of her first state meet with both her sister and teammate.

“It’ll probably be a good thing to have her there,” Sophia Falco says. “It’ll be nice (to have) the support. She would probably like to see me win, and I would like to see her win.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].