Austin, TX

Agbonkonkon is UT Austin's track star and author

Published

11 months ago

June 2, 2025

Agbonkonkon is UT Austin's track star and author

AUSTIN, Texas — Osawese Agbonkonkon has always had a good balance between sports and school in his life.

“Childhood was sports and reading really,” says Agbonkonkon. “Everything from t-ball, swimming, soccer, basketball then to track and field. Of course, education was paramount in my family.”

Agbonkonkon tried plenty of different sports, but it was while he was playing basketball that he actually found what he was best at. A coach at his high school saw him dunking in warmups one game and asked if he wanted to come try out for track. Initially, he said no, but eventually, he gave it a try.

“Came out for one practice and so far it’s taken me here,” says Agbonkonkon.

He was already in his junior year at Frisco Wakeland High School, when Agbonkonkon began learning how to high jump. It didn’t take long to get pretty good. In 2023, Agbonkonkon finished fourth in the high jump at the Class 5A state meet. His success on the track led him to Oregon for his freshman year of college. After competing one season for the Ducks, Agbonkonkon decided to come back closer to home, and he transferred to Texas.

“It’s amazing to compete for UT. I love the history, I love the tradition,” says Agbonkonkon. “I’m a Texas kid, so to be competing for my home state’s flagship school it’s a great honor for me.”

Not only is he competing, but he’s excelling. Agbonkonkon jumped a personal best (7-1.50) at the NCAA West Regional and qualified for the NCAA Championship starting June 11. He’s developed a specific approach over the years when it comes to jumping.

“Before the jump there is a lot of thinking but once I get onto the line, I try to clear my mind,” says Agbonkonkon. “It’s such a technical event, the slightest thing going wrong can knock off the bar.”

While Agbonkonkon spends a lot of his time training and competing in track, he has another passion. Ever since he was a little kid, he’s loved to write, and that led to a big project a few years back.

“This is a project I’ve been working on for about six years,” says Agbonkon. “Started in about 2018 and something I’m passionate about.”

That project is a book that Agbonkonkon wrote, called Psychic Suit.

“When I first came up with the idea for this I was taking notes on paper for it, just little different ideas,” says Agbonkonkon. “Once I actually started writing it I think the first draft was about 40,000 words, this final draft is about 90,000 or so.”

The book is a science fiction novel is which he created an entire world and new characters but also used elements of his life to put into those characters.

“One of the biggest themes for me was talking about mental health,” says Agbonkonkon. “How does the world look at people who have mental health challenges and it’s OK to have those challenges.”

Agbonkonkon is looking into options of turning his book into a movie. He also says he’s about halfway done writing the sequel.

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Austin, TX

Austin weather: Intense storms in West Texas could make it to Hill Country

Published

6 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Press Room

Austin weather: Intense storms in West Texas could make it to Hill Country

AUSTIN, Texas – We will be on storm watch tonight.

Local perspective:

More of the same today with a cloud/sun mix, warm, humid and breezy conditions.

Highs heading for the 80s with wind gusts of 15 to 25 mph.

The backstory:

The West Texas dryline will be the storm machine. This is where the Gulf moisture meets up with dry air coming off the mountains.

As the two different air masses collide the air will be forced up.

The heating of the day and upper low will provide even stronger lift to generate numerous and more intense storms in West Texas.

There is a chance a few of the storms will survive their journey away from the dryline and reach the Hill Country starting this evening and overnight.

By the time they enter Central Texas, most of the storms will drop below severe limits.

The highest threat of severe weather remains west of the Hill Country.

What’s next:

Could we get redevelopment with the storms late on Wednesday?

The jury is still out because not all the models agree, so we will have to play the wait and see game.

The next game-changers will be a stronger Western Low and a cold front with bite to it entering the picture this weekend.

Expecting increasing rain chances on Saturday followed by a cooler and drier breeze the rest of the weekend.

What you can do:

Track your local forecast for the Austin area quickly with the free FOX 7 WAPP.

The design gives you radar, hourly, and 7-day weather information just by scrolling.

Our weather alerts will warn you early and help you stay safe.

The Source: Information from meteorologist Zack Shields.

WeatherAustin

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Austin, TX

Texas AG to investigate Austin Police’s new policies related to ICE warrants, city says

Published

18 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Press Room

Texas AG to investigate Austin Police’s new policies related to ICE warrants, city says

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson expressed concern Monday about two items on the Austin Transit Partnership Board agenda later this week, one to negotiate an office lease in a downtown office building for up to $32 million for roughly 8 years and another to furnish the space for $15 million. READ MORE: https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/inappropriate-mayor-pushes-back-on-47m-light-rail-office-relocation-plan/

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Austin, TX

George Strait Delivers Epic Return to Austin Stage – Austin Today

Published

1 day ago

April 13, 2026

Press Room

George Strait Delivers Epic Return to Austin Stage – Austin Today

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The dazzling stage lights and shattered disco ball textures evoke the electrifying energy of a George Strait concert, where the country legend continues to captivate audiences even as his legendary career nears its end.Austin Today

George Strait thrilled fans with an unforgettable concert at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, delivering a set packed with his signature No. 1 hits. The country music legend’s return to the stage after nearly four years left some wondering how much longer he plans to continue performing, as Strait has hinted at retirement in the past.

Why it matters

As one of the most influential and successful country artists of all time, George Strait’s concerts have become must-see events for his devoted fanbase. This performance in Austin showcased Strait’s enduring popularity and artistry, even as he nears the end of his legendary career.

The details

Strait’s concert at the Moody Center on Thursday night was his first at the venue since April 2022. The show featured a hit-filled setlist that had the capacity crowd singing along. Strait shared a video on Instagram teasing the performance, writing ‘What a night Austin, TX! Who’s ready to do it again on Saturday?’ While the video didn’t show any full performances, it did include a snippet of Strait singing his 2024 single ‘Three Drinks Down’.

Strait last performed at the Moody Center in April 2022.
He is scheduled to play another show at the Moody Center on Saturday, April 13, 2026.

What they’re saying

“I have maybe five good years to sing my songs for you, folks…it’s been around 50 now. And I still love it just as much as I ever did.”

— George Strait

What’s next

Strait is scheduled to perform another show at the Moody Center in Austin on Saturday, April 13, 2026, giving fans another chance to see the country legend in action.

The takeaway

George Strait’s epic return to the Moody Center stage in Austin underscores his enduring popularity and artistry, even as he nears the end of his legendary career. Fans cherished the opportunity to witness the ‘King of Country Music’ deliver a hit-filled set, leaving them to wonder how much longer they’ll be able to see Strait perform live.

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