Posted on Fri, May. 02, 2008

TRACK AND FIELD: Large area contingent crowds state meet

By STEFAN STEVENSON

sstevenson@star-telegram.com

Make your Austin hotel reservations now because they’re going fast. With so many area athletes headed to the UIL state track and field meet May 9-10 on the campus of the University of Texas, you’ll be lucky to find a room anywhere near the city.

With a week to work out the kinks and heal any nagging injuries more than 60 area athletes are trying to relax and focus on the last remaining prize: state gold.

For some, the state meet is the last shot at high school glory. For others, it’s the start of something special.

As for a hotel, you’re on your own.

Crowley hopes to repeat success

With 11 boys headed to the state meet, Crowley has a chance to rack up the medals and a team title.

The boys won the team title in 2005 with six athletes, edging Lancaster and Houston Worthing, which tied for second.

The ’05 team won the title with 40 points. This year’s team can win a maximum of 90 points. But easier said than done, said Crowley coach Ted Myrick.

“None of the other teams can score 90 points like we have the ability to do, but the competition is awfully stiff,” Myrick said.

Crowley will compete in two relays (4x100 and 4x200) and five individual events. All 11 athletes are making their first appearance at state. And it will be the last hurrah for 10 seniors.

The 200 relay team consists of Herb Shaw, Terence Edwards, Kent Onouha and Issaiah Symond. Their stiffest competition comes from Fort Worth Eastern Hills, which won the regional championship with a time of 1:26.94, a second faster than Crowley.

“They’re running against the best eight runners in the state. They’re going to have to really run to compete against this competition,” Myrick said. “It will really be exciting to watch.”

Better late than never for Odhiambo

Arlington Sam Houston sprinter Robert Odhiambo is headed to state in the 100-meter dash after a first-place finish at regionals last week. Odhiambo didn’t go out for track last year and wasn’t running the 100 until midway through this season.

The senior has improved his time throughout the season, said Sam Houston coach David Hill, who hopes Odhiambo is peaking at just the right time.

“It’s almost as if the light has clicked on for him,” Hill said. “He’s a real hard worker. It’s all come together. He knows he’s going in as an unknown. We’re just hoping for good things for him.”

Breaking coaches record proudly

Grapevine pole vaulters Dave Taylor and Monte Willett are headed to state and the only question is: Which one will take the gold? At the District 5-5A championships Willett took first place, nearly breaking the school record held by Cody Koontz from the '90s.

At the regional meet, Taylor’s 16-foot vault broke the regional record, also set by Koontz. As the duo’s coach, Koontz is helping Taylor and Willett reach new heights and, unfortunately for Koontz, break his records.

Mansfield athlete jumps into fray

Mansfield’s Matt Childers found out Monday that he is headed to state in the long jump, replacing the No. 2 seed. Childers finished third at the regional meet. Mansfield Timberview’s Antoine Hicks took the gold with a jump of 23 feet, two 3/4 inches.