Title Chasers : Cheek hopes Lady Panthers saved best for last
Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2008
When it comes to coaching and state championships, Rose Cheek stands head and shoulders among the best in Arkansas.
Today, the Siloam Springs Lady Panther track coach makes her 28 th appearance at the 5 A state meet, hoping that her six young ladies have saved their best for last.
"You never know what's going to happen when you come to the state meet," Cheek said. "I just hope these girls peak at the right time and hit their marks."
The Lady Panthers qualified for the state meet in Paragould after finishing second at the Conference 5 A West meet last week in Conway.
Anchored by a pair of first-place finishes from sophomore runner Rachel Hill in the 3, 200-meter run and freshman sensation Lizzy Briones in the long jump, the Lady Panthers, according to Cheek, are excited about the opportunity that awaits them.
"They're ready to go and compete," Cheek said. "The competition is certainly going to be tough, but I believe we have a shot to possibly qualify for the finals in the 400- and 1, 600-meter relays."
Both relay teams placed second at the conference meet behind Vilonia (1, 600-meter relay ) and Alma (400-meter relay ).
The 1, 600-meter relay team (Madison Alexander, Allie Jones, Shelby Ferguson and Lizzy Briones ) ran a time of 4: 32. 07, while the same quartet ran a time of 53. 88 in the 400-meter relay.
"Of the six girls going to state, three are freshmen," Cheek said. "That's a good thing because they're solid athletes who don't just compete in one event."
Cheek added that coaching this team has been an honor.
"These girls have been real coachable and there is definitely a lot of heart on display with this bunch," she said.
A state championship in track would give Cheek her second of the year.
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online