Published: May 08, 2008 10:28 am            

DHS hitting its stride

Relay team strength carries Lady Demons

DUNCAN — The Duncan Lady Demons entered the season with a mixture of seniors and underclassmen, and a little uncertainty of how it would all fit together. After last week’s second-place regional finish, though, the Lady Demons have all their pieces in place for Friday’s state meet.

Duncan tallied 166 points and finished behind Ardmore, who scored 194. All four of DHS’ relay squads made it through to state, and DHS head coach Dale Harris is optimistic about their chances this weekend.

“Our relays are fairly strong, and have had times drop in the past few weeks,” Harris said. “Our 1600 relay team was running 4:20-plus and they are down to 4:17. The 800 relay was in the 1:50’s but they are now under that.”

In the hurdles, Madeline Murrell is a favorite to bring home gold after setting personal records over the past several weeks in the 100 and 300 events.

Rashelle Carr, who battled illness last weekend, has improved in the 800 and in the 1600 relay.

“She had some respiratory problems and was struggling to breathe,” Harris said. “She fought through it and gutted out a 2:31 in the 800.”

Harris said that Carr may be one of the underclassmen to surprise some people at state. He also noted sprinter Evelyn Elix, just a freshman, has a good shot at medaling in the 100 and 200.

“She is really running well, and the best thing about it is that she is a freshman,” Harris said. “She won’t surprise us if she does well at state, because we know how good she is, but other folks up there will be.”

The Lady Demons feature strength in the field events, with Rebekah Rauh winning the high jump at regionals. Megan Harrison will also compete in the high jump, while DaVee Croy finished second at regionals in the long jump.

“Rebekah has jumped 5-2 this year, and if she can make that, and she is certainly capable, then she can go in the top three,” Harris said. “DaVee jumped 16-9 at regionals and looks like she is back to her form from last year.”

Harris said that Tulsa East Central, Ardmore and Altus will be the heavyweights heading into the weekend, but that the Lady Demons will be challenge for points.

“If we can leave out with a top-five, I we’ll take it,” Harris said. “We have some youth, but this bunch has worked well together, and has been dedicated. I think we will do well.”

The Lady Demons’ prelims will begin Friday, with the finals on Saturday.

        

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