by Tiffani Taylor
Track and field athletes have been working hard to advance to States.
States give track and field athletes the opportunity to be noticed and get their high school recognized.
“States mean that you have reached the pinnacle of your sport at this level,” Coach Kenny Perrault said.
Those qualifying for States included seniors Desmond Dowling, Donovan Dowling, Dexter Dowling, Tyree Miller and Deondré Anderson; juniors Anthony Lofton and Davon Wright; sophomores Arykah Edwards, Shantoria Anderson and Tenae Washington; and freshman Alexis Stafford.
Last year at States, the Blue Devils placed eighth, and the 4×4 relay team got third place.
The boys 4 x 4 team includes Desmond, Deondre, Tyree and senior Christian Parker.
Hoping to do better this year, Coach Perrault said that they are preparing by going against “hard regal competition.”
States begin in early June. Each runner is preparing mentally and physically for the meet that can make their future promising.
Tenae said the mental preparation is most important.
“Running track is 20 percent physical and 80 percent mental,” Tenae said.
Competition at States increases pressure on athletes.
“The mistakes are magnified more at States,” Tony said.
Christian said he is ready for the challenge.
“We are just hungry for the win,” Christian said. “We want to do well and put Varina on the map as one of the best track programs in the state.”
State competition is the final stage for Desmond.
“States is my grand finale for my high school track season. Even though we go to Nationals, it doesn’t have the same effect as States,” Desmond said.
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