After missing almost the entire season with a mild sports hernia, Highland Park senior Patrick Todd returned in time for another shot at a state title in the 800 meters.

Last year, Todd finished second behind Dripping Springs' Brandon Chiuminetta by less than a second despite missing 10 weeks with a stress fracture.

The Texas signee was injured again in February while racing indoors. But Todd came back to win his first race of the year at the district meet.

At regionals, he ran a 1:53 and finished second behind Lancaster's Howard Shepard. Before Todd's injury, coach Randy Adair said he expected him to run a 1:49 this season.

"The key is staying healthy," Adair said.

Todd said if he weren't a senior, he wouldn't have run this season after missing so much time. But there was the memory of coming so close to winning a state title last year.

"As far as athletic achievement, there is nothing more that I want than a state championship," Todd said.

Gabriel Cabarrouy