A red cardinal represents many things to many people but in this case, it represents East Central High School Girls Track team. They are going to 5A State Finals next weekend in Moore, Oklahoma, against, Memorial, Booker T. Washington, Thomas Edison, Will Rogers, Claremore, Ada, Collinsville, Durant, and Skiatook.
The young ladies have been working hard all year to accomplish this goal under the direction of Coach Derrick Burch. The team consists of Journey Armstead a freshman, who placed third in Regionals and will compete in the long-jump. This is an awesome accomplish for a freshman who has never participated in track. Lakajanea Ackward is sophomore who will compete in the 100m and 200m race. She ranks in the state top ten Class 5A for the 100m and the 200m run. She is a major contender. Keep an eye on her! The 400m and the 800m relay squad consist of Amari Owens (Jr.), Shyan Evans (Jr.), Aujanae Wells (Sr.), and Lakajanea Ackward (So.). Jordan Elliot will step in as an alternate if anything happens to her teammates. She placed sixth in the 100m finals during regionals. Shannon McCarry-Riley is the trainer.
As student athletes, the young ladies are required to maintain a certain grade point average and they pretty much must raise their own funds to participate. They do not receive the same accolades as the other sports teams at the school and for the first-time this season, it was announced they were going to state just this week. They have experienced numerous trials and tribulations along the way, but they persevered.
With that being said, let’s wish these young ladies’ success during state competition!
GO CARDINALS!
