The 2008 Texas high school track and field state championships got off to a good - but not great - start for Wise County Friday afternoon. Two local athletes fell short of gold but finished among the elite at the University of Texas in Austin.

Paradise standout distance runner James Hodges had the best finish of the day as he took third place in the 3,200-meter race. The Panther standout took the bronze on stage as he posted a time of 9 minutes, 55.86 seconds.

Cody Hughes of Anna won the 2A crown after he clocked a 9:44. Ben Moore of Panhandle edged Hodges for the silver at 9:54.66.

Hodges, who will be running at Texas A&M next fall, had the fastest qualifying time among the eight runners. He recorded a 9:28.95 in winning regionals two weeks ago.

A shot at gold is not over for Hodges as he was also slated to run for the 1,600 title Saturday afternoon. He has the fastest qualifying time at 4:24.79.

Bridgeport senior Kassie Daugherty wrapped up her decorated track career in the 3A discus finals. The standout Sissie finished fourth overall with a heave of 131 feet, 6 inches.

That was the third longest throw of her career and just shy of her personal record. She broke her own record two weeks ago with a toss of 132-7.

"I had a great day," said Daugherty, who finished eighth at state last year at 117-0. "Of course we all want to win, but that's not possible. I'm happy with how I did this year and not disappointed at all. It was a great way to end."

The state championship went to Sharea Robinson of Corpus Christi West Oso who flung the discus 13-7. Kennedale's Stacia Newton was second at 133-8 and third went to Sealy's Amber Byers at 132-3.

Daugherty's athletic career is far from over. She will play basketball and throw the discus next year at Eastern New Mexico State.

Decatur's Cynthia Carrillo and Cassie Partridge competed Friday night but results were not available at press time. Saturday's action was to include Alvord's Paige Klein and Travis Montgomery, Chico's Hayden Eubanks and Boyd's Katie Mark.

All results will be in Thursday's Messenger.