Lady Senators make impact on home turf

Published 12:26 am Friday, April 24, 2009

Morgan’s track teams earned mixed results in the AISA State Championships at Memorial Stadium on Thursday.

The day’s events marked the end of a two-day whirlwind jampacked with muscle-straining events.

“I was afraid we were going to be worn out after the first day,” said Gomes, who acknowledged her fatigue as day two approached.

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However, Gomes and other Lady Senators showed few ill effects in the championships. They finished second overall and won two team events — the 4×100 and 4×400 relays.

The Senators found success at the individual level as well. Rachel Gomes led the way with wins in the 100 and 300-meter hurdles. Her 48.40 finish time set a new AISA record. Sarah Frasier picked up wins in the 100 and 200-meter dash. Katie Dewitt added to the win total by taking the discus competition.

Their wins were not enough to overcome a dominant Lee-Scott team. The Warriors finished with 141 team points — 49 more than the Lady Senators’ 92 and 68 points ahead of third place finisher Tuscaloosa.

“We’ve got the talent,” said Morgan coach Rob Robinson. “We’re young talent, too. They’ll all be back next year.”

The boys did not fare as well. The Senators’ score of 42 left them four points out of third place and 58 points behind Class AAA champion Tuscaloosa.

“I’m proud of the boys, too,” said Robinson. “We had limited numbers, and they made the most of what they had.”

Austin Smitherman and John Cox garnered individual honors for Morgan. Smitherman won the 100 and 200-meter dash, and Cox placed third in the 400-meter.

The Senators also placed second in the 4×100 relay.