BRONTE — A year ago as a freshman, Bronte’s Emily Jackson made her state track meet debut with a nervous performance in the 300 hurdles. 

A year later, a 16-year-old Jackson is returning to Austin as a still young, albeit more experienced 10th-grader with an added level of maturity 

She is a year older. A year faster. And most importantly, she believes she has learned from her nerve-racking experience at Myers Stadium which saw her place eighth out of nine runners with a time of 51.50 last season. 

“Last year on the day of (the state meet), I was so nervous that I felt like I really couldn’t compete to my highest potential,” Jackson said. “And I don’t think I did.

“But after just going and seeing it and being there last year, I’m hoping the (experience) will help things go smoother. I’ve been there once, so hopefully, it won’t be such a shock.”