Track trails Blake

Blair's track and field team fell behind Blake High School on Apr 1 in the second meet of the season. The girls lost 81-56 while the boys were close behind their competitors with a final score of 73-64.

The boys' competition ended on a positive note with a stunning run by senior Briand Djenodjilem in the 4 x 1 relay race that pulled the score close.

Djenodjilem was proud of the relay team's performance. "That was the best 4 x 1 we've ever had. It was just amazing," he said.

The bulk of the girls' points came from the 3200-meter relay as well as the 1600-meter and the 3200-meter individual events. Blake overpowered Blair in the high jump and the hurdles.

The final scores brought both disappointment and optimism to Blair coach James Short. "We didn't perform as well as I thought we would, but I think that with practice we can close the distance between us and them. Blake is good, but we'll catch up," he said.

Despite the loss, Djenodjilem saw the Blake meet as an opportunity to improve. "I guess I'm disappointed, but at least now I can look forward to practicing and getting better. This is the best team in all of my two years. A lot of people come out for practice. We?re definitely making it to States," he predicted.

The boys' team should work particularly on longer races, said distance coach Carl Lewin. "The guys did well, but they can improve," he said.

According to senior co-captain Laurel Jefferson, Blake's track team is one of the top-ranked schools in the division and has proven to be a tough competitor. "Everyone has taken this meet and made the best of it. It will definitely prepare us for the future," said Jefferson.

Lewin remains supportive of the team. "They're all doing their personal best. That's really all we can expect."