Texas 5A standout at 400 meters signs with Nuggets

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana has signed sprinter Ariel Ford of Mansfield, Texas, and Lake Ridge High School to an athletic scholarship for women's track and field.

Ford finished second as a junior in the 400-meter dash at the University Interscholastic League Class 5A state meet in May. Her best time is 55.30 seconds at the 2017 District 10-5A meet, which she won. That time is faster than the XULA record.

Also at last season's state meet, Ford helped Lake Ridge finish second in the 400 relay and fourth in the 1,600 relay. Lake Ridge placed second in team scoring.

At the 2016 UIL state meet, Ford was third in 400 and helped the 1,600 relay team finish fourth. Also that year she was the District 14-5A champion in the 400.

Ford's best time in the 200 is 24.39. That 2016 time also is faster than the XULA record.

Ford has made her school's honor roll multiple times. She will graduate from Lake Ridge in the spring, then major in biochemistry at XULA.

Mansfield is a suburb south of Fort Worth.

XULA competes in the NAIA and has won five Gulf Coast Athletic Conference women's outdoor team championships in the last seven seasons, including 2017.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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