Published Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:23 AM
Updated Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:25 AM
Anchored by four-time region champion Raven White, the Stag girls (152.3) fell a bit shy, finishing a close second to region champ Wando (163.2) by just under nine points, but will be well represented in the State Qualifier meet.
The boys’ team finished fifth, and will be well represented at the state level as well.
White won in the 100, 200 and 400-meter individual races and the team 4x400 meter relay.
“The boys’ team did not go without a fight,” said Stags track coach Eric Gambrell. “Kalib Law and Tarik Reid are region champions and look great going into the state qualifier. Herbert Law, Jordan Cooper, and Alex Dorman all set personal best records at the region meet.”
Gambrell also mentioned Deandre Richburg who placed third in the shot put with a throw that exceeded Richburg’s previous personal best by four feet.
“Deandre’s throw in the shot put was four feet better than he had ever thrown before in a meet,” Gambrell said.
As for the Lady Stags, they were anchored by their strong running attack in the sprints and relays.
“The girls were able to place second overall with just 10 girls scoring,” Gambrell said. “Our seniors really stepped up as all three, Raven White, Dateka Thompson and SyAsia Grant had their best performances ever.
“Catrina Morrison, Leanna Morrison, Grace Butler, Deja Shaw and Jamara Heyward also excelled in their events. Amber Robinson and Kenya Sanders contributed points as well.”
Gambrell added that his boys relay teams “are looking good at the right time.
“Our 4x100 was in the lead with about six meters to go but the baton was dropped. The 4x400 and 4x800 relays for the boys all made it to the state qualifier.”
In the distance races Carter Blackwell broke the school record in the 3200 meters with a time of 10:38.
For his team Gambrell said that his girls’ squad is determined and focused on the goals they set at the beginning of the season. They understand the sacrifice and dedication required to meet those goals.
“The prom is the night before the state qualifying meet but the girls have given themselves a curfew,” he said. “I told them I would not give them a curfew on the night of the prom. They determine their own fate from here own out.
“We have eight girls that are very determined and focused on a goal that we set early in the year.”
Results from the Region 7AAAA track meet are:
Region 7 AAAA Champions:
4x100 relay- Amber Robinson, Dateka Thompson, Catrina Morrison, Leanna Morrison
4x400 relay- Dateka Thompson, Raven White, Catrina Morrison, Leanna Morrison
100 Meters- Raven White
200 Meters- Raven White
400 Meters- Raven White
800 Meters- Kalib Law
400 Meter Hurdles- Leanna Morrison
Long Jump- Tarik Reid
Shot Put- Sy'Asia Grant
Discus- Grace Butler
Second Place finishers:
100 Meters- Dateka Thompson
200 Meters- Leanna Morrison
400 Meters- Dateka Thompson
100 Meter Hurdles- Catrina Morrison
400 Meter Hurdles- Catrina Morrison
Triple Jump- Jamara Heyard
Discus- Deja Shaw
Third Place finishers:
4x400 relay- Victor Williams, Kyle White, Kalib Law, Bruce Ellington
400 Meters- Bruce Ellington
Shot Put- Deandre Richburg
Shot Put- Deja Shaw
Fourth Place finishers:
4x800 meter relay- Carter Blackwell, Kory Brown, Kyle White, Victor Williams
110 Meters Hurdles- Evan McKelvey
400 Meters- Kyle White
400 Meter Hurdles- Jamara Heyward
800 Meters- Amber Robinson