ROYSE CITY, TX – May 6, 2025
Royse City High School's track and field program is celebrating remarkable achievements at the UIL Class 6A State Track and Field Championships, with senior Jammel Ward earning a hard-fought silver medal and junior Kira Bowman soaring to claim the coveted state championship title in the pole vault.
Jammel Ward Caps Off Historic Career with State Silver
Senior standout Jammel Ward concluded his decorated high school track and field career in impressive fashion, securing the silver medal in the long jump at the state meet. This achievement adds to an already stellar resume, marking him as one of the most accomplished athletes in Royse City track and field history.
Ward's journey to the state podium was paved with consistent excellence throughout the season. He entered the state competition as the UIL Class 6A Region II Champion in the long jump, a title he earned after claiming double area championships in both the long jump and high jump. His dominance at the district level was equally notable, as he was a two-time district champion in the same events.
Looking back at his remarkable career, Ward's accolades are staggering:
UIL Class 6A State Silver Medalist (Long Jump)
UIL Class 6A Region II Champion (Long Jump)
Two-time State Qualifier
Three-time Regional Qualifier
Five-time Area Champion (Long Jump x3, High Jump x2)
Four-time District Champion (Long Jump x2, High Jump x2)
Three-time Area Qualifier
23 Gold Medals
4 Silver Medals
"Jammel had an unbelievable senior season that capped off one of the most historic careers in the history of Royse City Track & Field," praised Coach Kyle Crumpton. "He will leave Royse City as the second most highly decorated athlete in the history of the program by medal count, but he is the only athlete in the history of the boy's program to win 11 medals at championship meets (District, Area, Regional, State)."
Coach Crumpton further emphasized Ward's impact beyond his athletic achievements. "Jammel set the standard in our program, not only for what he accomplished on the track, but by the way he carried himself, by the way he handled his business in the classroom and the way he approached the work every day. We have a gigantic hole to fill in our program, but we can't wait to see what all he accomplishes at the University of Montana."
Kira Bowman Vaults to 6A State Championship Glory
Junior phenom Kira Bowman etched her name in Royse City High School history, capturing the UIL 6A State Championship in the pole vault with a winning jump of 13 feet, 3 inches. This victory culminates an outstanding season for Bowman, who has consistently demonstrated her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication.
Bowman's path to the state title included earning a bronze medal at the UIL 6A Region II meet, qualifying as a wild card. Her dominance was evident throughout the postseason, as she secured the UIL 6A District 9/10 Area Championship in the pole vault with a jump of 13 feet, 3 inches, setting a new stadium record at Wylie ISD Stadium. She also claimed the silver medal in the 400-meter dash at the area meet. Prior to that, Bowman was crowned the UIL 6A District Champion in the pole vault and qualified for the area meet in the 4x100-meter relay and the 400-meter dash in addition to the pole vault.
Bowman's accomplishments this season further solidify her position as one of the nation's top pole vaulters. She is currently ranked 6th in the nation with a personal best of 13 feet, 6 inches, which also stands as the Royse City High School record. Her impressive list of meet championships this season includes victories at the Deon Minor Wildcat Relays, Princeton Maurice Hill Invitational, Tommie Mankins Invitational, Mount Pleasant Tiger Relays, Texas Tech Wes Kittley High School Invitational, and the Texas A&M Texas High School Indoor Championships. She was also a part of the 4x100-meter relay team that set a new school record with a time of 48.93 seconds.
Coach Tiffany Null praised Bowman's character and work ethic, stating, "Kira Bowman is a leader on and off of the track. She thrives in the classroom, works after school with younger athletes, plus works a part-time job for the city baseball fields. Her character is unmatched. Her positive attitude helps lead her teammates daily. Her work ethic is what every coach wants out of their athletes. She works hard daily and pushes herself and her team to be great!"
Highlighting Bowman's mental fortitude at the state meet, Coach Null recounted a pivotal moment. "At the state meet, facing her third attempt at 12'6" to advance, I looked at her and said 'go get it kid, it’s yours'. She looked at me on the runway and said 'I got this'. At that moment, I knew she was on a different level. She cleared that height and went on to clear 13’3 to win it all. Her composure at the state track meet is something I am truly amazed by. Going in she knew it was hers to lose, and her desire to win that medal was undeniable. She went and got it for sure! I am so proud of her!"
Coach Null concluded, "I am so grateful to have a kid like Kira Bowman in our program, she makes her teammates better, and she makes me a better coach."
The Royse City community celebrates the outstanding achievements of both Jammel Ward and Kira Bowman, whose dedication and talent have brought immense pride to the school and city. Their success at the state level is a testament to their hard work, the support of their coaches, and the strength of the Royse City track and field program.
Photos: Royse City ISD Athletics