Mixed bag of track results for squads
Girls send trio to Region III
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

Jasper girls' track team slipped in two individual medalists at the District 21- 3A meet last week. The mile relay will also advance to the Region III meet April 26-27.

Freshman Breeuuna Hafford took first place in the 400-meter run, an event she had not competed in earlier invitational meets. Junior Jaleesa Johnson, also in her first 200 meter competition, placed second .

"We planned it that way," Coach Shareba Smith said. "Both of these girls have been running on relay teams all year and they've been working out in these events. Jaleesa ran on the sprint relay and Breeuuna ran the mile relay. We've been looking at their split times all year. That's how we knew they had a chance."

Hafford won her race in 1: 04.44; Kirbyville was second at 1:04.87. Johnson ran the 100 meters in 13.40, behind the second place Silsbee runnner at 12.98. "I can't really predict what will happen at Region because there will be some good times there and you never know what will happen on any given day," Smith said. "They certainly have a chance. I'm really proud of their accomplishments.

Breeunnna is only a freshman. That is really significant for her."

The mile relay team of Hafford, Shanae Randall, Julia Morris, and Jessica Alvis placed third. The team was also a different mix from earlier competitions because one of the former members had a conflict with the Regional meet. Their time was 4:24.69. Hamshire- Fannett won it in 4:15.41.

"They had all run at one point or the other," Smith said, "This was the first time this particular team had run together."

Smith said she had expected to get the 800-meter relay out of district.

"I'm pleased with how we did overall - very pleased," she said. "We did really well considering the district we're in. I don't know what will happen at Region, but I think all of our girls are capable to being state qualifiers."

Hemphill will host a warm-up meet Saturday for Regional qualifiers. Running events begin at 1:30 p.m.