Houston Strake Jesuit sprinter in contention for Best Record-Breaking Performance, with Texas A&M hurdler competing for Best Viral Moment along with Best Play

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Two of the most memorable moments of the outdoor track and field season, both achieved by athletes based in Texas, were recognized Wednesday by ESPN when the nominees for the annual ESPY awards were released.

The 27th annual ESPYs will be held July 10 at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles and hosted by actor and comedian Tracy Morgan.

Houston Strake Jesuit sprinter Matthew Boling was among four nominees for Best Record-Breaking Performance following his wind-aided 9.98-second effort in the 100-meter dash April 27 at his 6A regional meet in Webster, Texas, producing the fastest all-conditions race in history by a prep athlete.

Texas A&M junior Infinite Tucker was nominated twice for his memorable Superman dive across the finish line to win the 400-meter hurdles final over Aggies teammate Robert Grant in 49.38 seconds May 11 at the Southeastern Conference Championships in Fayetteville, Ark.

Tucker was among four nominees for Best Viral Moment, in addition to being selected as one of 16 choices for Best Play. Tucker is the No. 12 seed, going up against fifth-seeded UCLA gymnast Katelyn Ohashi and her perfect 10 routine on floor exercise in the bracket-style voting.

Ohashi is also a nominee for Best Viral Moment, along with 7-year-old Florida sprinter Rudolph “Blaze” Ingram and the curveball thrown by Sister Mary Jo Sobieck during the ceremonial first pitch prior to a Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals game in August.

Boling is matched up against New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees eclipsing the NFL career record for most passing yards, along with Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson setting the NBA record for most 3-point field goals in a game with 14 against the Chicago Bulls and Oregon women’s basketball guard Sabrina Ionescu breaking the NCAA records for most career triple-doubles with 18, in addition to the most in a season with eight during her junior year.

Boling’s performance bettered the wind-aided 9.99 mark achieved at the 2013 Great Southwest Classic in New Mexico by Trayvon Bromell, a former standout at Gibbs High in Florida before competing at Baylor.

Boling, a Georgia signee, boasts the fastest time under all conditions by a World U-20 athlete this year and is equal to No. 11 under all conditions overall among global competitors this season entering the USATF U-20 Championships this weekend at Ansin Sports Complex in Miramar, Fla.

Last season, an honorary ESPY was awarded to Anna Cockrell, Kyra Constantine, Kendall Ellis and Deanna Hill for the inspirational come-from-behind victory achieved by the USC women’s 4x400-meter relay team to win the NCAA Division 1 Outdoor Championships.