Ladycats looking to get to state, get experience at regionals

The Palestine Herald

April 21, 2008 01:36 am

— By SCOTT TYLER
H-P Sports Editor

The Palestine girls’ track team will be getting a bonus next week at the Class 3A-Region III track and field meet.
Not only are the Ladycats competing for a chance to race in the state meet, Palestine also is building for the future by getting valuable experience in big meets.
“We have two groups of kids going to regionals,” Palestine coach Jamie Driskell said. “We have a group that has the potential to get to state and then we have young kids who are going to use this as experience because in the next couple of years they will have a chance to get to state.”
The Class 3A-Region III track meet will take place Friday and Saturday at Humble High School. The top two finishers in the finals Saturday advance to the state meet.
“The first day we are looking to have strong times and make the finals,” Driskell said. “Then anything can happen that second day.”
While several of the Ladycats have not been to regionals, Driskell hopes those who have been there can settle down the younger runners.
“Hopefully we do not get too wide-eyed,” the Palestine coach said. “We have had a few girls who have been there before so that should help.”
The Palestine 400-meter and 800-meter relay teams come into the regionals with the second and third best district times. Both relay teams consist of Natalie Ahee, Krystal Davis, Temisha Whitehead and Tiesha Farris.
“The relays are going to come down to good handoffs,” Driskell said.
Freshman Terinika Farris will be running in both the 400 and 800.
“Terinika has an outside shot,” Driskell said. “She is going to have to run her best races.”
Sara Bates also will be competing in two events, the 1600 and 3200.
“Sara was one of our soccer girls so she had a late start but is peaking at the right time,” Driskell said.
In the field events, Driskell said Tajan Snowden has a chance in the shot put if she can get a throw of over 37 feet. Her best throw this year has been 36-3.
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Scott Tyler may be contacted via e-mail at styler@palestineherald.com