The Laredo Independent School District held a special dedication ceremony this morning for the Martin High School Shot Put Ring at Shirley Field, which was named in honor of former student and exceptional athlete Melanie Durón. With an entourage of support from the mighty Tigers, the event celebrated Durón’s outstanding achievements and contributions to the school's athletic program.
Durón, a MHS alumna, is celebrated for her remarkable career in the track and field, specifically in the shot put event. Reflecting on the significance of this dedication, Durón expressed her deep appreciation, saying, “Today is very special for me. I feel like a lot of people probably think it is just a ring, but I have spent so many hours and put in so much work; it just means so much to me. My career as a track athlete would have not been possible without that specific ring. It is a blessing and I will forever be grateful for all the love and support that everybody has given me. I can’t wait to make everybody proud in the future.”
Durón’s journey as a shot put athlete began when she was a freshman at MHS. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, she persevered with the unwavering support of her coaches, family, and friends. “I started throwing when I was a freshman, and then COVID happened, so there was a little delay. I began to question, am I going to continue being a thrower or stick to a certain sport? But I had all my coaches and my family and everybody behind me. They continuously reminded me that I could achieve everything I set my mind to despite the pandemic and everything that was going on in the world. They always told me it’s just me and that ring; it will always be me and that ring. That’s why I am the athlete I am today,” said Durón.
This past season, Duron was named the 2024 Sun Belt Conference Indoor and Outdoor Shot Put Champion, setting a new Texas State record for the indoor shot put with a throw of 16.76 meters, and recorded five of the ten best indoor shot put throws in the university’s history. Her accomplishments contributed outdoors, where she registered the 7th best shot put throw in Texas State history and earned qualification for the NCAA West Regionals. Throughout the 2024 season, Duron’s consistency and excellence were on full display, with five top-two finishes, including four first place finishes, and setting the meet record at the Bobcat Invitational.
“On behalf of the entire Texas State Athletics Department, I want to extend our heartfelt congratulations on the incredible honor of having the shot put ring at Martin High School dedicated in her name. This recognition is a testament to your relentless hard work, dedication, and outstanding achievements, both as a student-athlete at Martin High School and as a leader on the Texas State Track and Field team,” Texas State University Director of Athletics Don Coryell and Director of Track and Field John Frazier added. “Please know that your Bobcat family is incredibly proud of everything you have achieved and will continue to support you as you reach new heights in your athletic career. We look forward to celebrating more milestones with you in the future. Congratulations once again, Melanie. You have made us all immensely proud!”
As Durón continues to strive for excellence, she remains deeply appreciative of the unwavering support from her community. “I have accomplished a lot of things, and I really couldn’t have done it without my family, friends, support system, LISD, and Laredo in general. To all the young athletes out there, keep doing what you’re doing. Believe in yourself, be the best you, and I promise you, at the end of the day, if you put in the work and if you put in the time and dedication, it’s going to go your way, and you’re going to be successful. To every athlete out there, I am praying for you, and I am always here for anybody that ever needs anything,” she said.
To conclude the celebration of Durón’s legacy as a track athlete, LISD faculty, alumni, and the Laredo community had the honor of witnessing her demonstrate the very skill that earned her this recognition with a ceremonial shot put throw. The powerful display served as a fitting tribute to her hard work and a lasting inspiration to the next generation of athletes.
