At UIL State meet, Arlington Lamar freshman shows heart in wheelchair division
At the University Interscholastic League Track and Field State Meet, Arlington Lamar freshman Delia Bass was beaming. She enjoys the competition, and there was a lot of it at Mike A. Myers Stadium.
Bass, a freshman, competes in the UIL’s wheelchair division. She qualified for and competed in three events on Friday, May 2: The 400-meter dash, 100-meter dash and shot put.
Bass has been in high school for less than a year. Still, she is competing among the best in Texas on the grandest stage.
“I’m very grateful for this opportunity to be here,” Bass said.
At UIL State, the wheelchair division athletes can showcase their talents, see their hard work come to fruition and become the best in Texas.
To Bass, that representation is extremely important.
“It’s really cool because not many people know about wheelchair racing, and it’s very cool to show people that even though we’re in wheelchairs, we can still do things — just differently,” Bass said. “And we can introduce new sports to people that don’t know anything about (wheelchair athletics).”
At wheelchair division events throughout the year, there isn’t guaranteed side-by-side competition. In general, the wheelchair division is smaller, but at UIL State, all the best athletes come together for a packed championship heat.
Bass cherishes the camaraderie and the thrill of competition.
“It’s definitely very cool to race with everybody and to see a full race,” Bass said.
Bass has been involved with various athletics and many other activities throughout her life. She plays basketball, sings in the choir, dances and participates in theater, which can be tough to balance for a freshman.
Bass said she chooses to compete because she has a goal: Become the best version of herself. To test her work ethic and determination, track and field is the perfect outlet.
“(Track and field) is definitely not only a learning experience, but it’s also just really good for growth,” Bass said. “And it’s really fun. I just really enjoy it.”
Bass loved her experience at UIL State, but the journey there was anything but easy.
For any freshman, the transition to high school is challenging. For Bass, it created a new challenge that included more stress, an increased level of competition and an increased pool of competitors.
On top of handling the new environment, she experienced an even bigger setback. In November, Bass had surgery, which caused her to lose a lot of strength. It was a sizable setback, but she was determined to return to form.
Regardless of challenges or setbacks, Lamar track coach Ronniqua Camp said Bass’ dedication remained and that she has a loving, caring personality.
“She’s very encouraging,” Camp said. “She’s there no matter what. She beats the other athletes there. She’s always ready to work and willing to get better.”
Over time, Bass started to regain her strength and build on her progress. Eventually, she found herself in a position to qualify for the state meet.
“It was definitely hard,” Bass said. “It did take a lot of resting. It was hard to not get back into (training) straight away. But I did go back into training and start a little lighter. I definitely got back into the groove.”
To Camp, Bass has been an inspiration.
“Just her commitment — coming out every day and being consistent,” Camp said. “We’re in the weight room three days a week, so just constantly getting there, getting stronger, and preparing for the next race each week. It’s another opportunity to get better.”
Bass’ work ethic shined, and the Lamar community took notice. In February, Bass was named the VFND Athlete of the Week.
The VFND stands for “Viking Fight Never Dies,” a phrase that embodies Lamar’s school spirit and pride.
“Just to see the growth that she’s made this year and to know what’s to come definitely is mind-blowing,” Camp said.
Despite missing the podium at UIL State, Bass said she felt great about her performance. She finished fifth in the 100-meter, fifth in the 400-meter and eighth in the shot put.
“I think for my first year, it’s definitely good, and I’m only gonna get better,” Bass said. “So, it’s definitely a good starting place.”
She’ll have three more seasons to make her mark. As Bass’ high school athletics career continues, she’ll continue to look at every day as an opportunity.
“Every day I can get better,” Bass said. “And every day is a new day to improve.”
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