REFUGIO òòò½ÊÓƵ” The Refugio girlsòòò½ÊÓƵ™ chances for a third straight UIL state track & field championship took a blow when the Lady Cats dropped the baton in the 400-meter relay at the District 31-2A meet.
But Refugio won the district championship and the Districts 31/32-2A area meet, and has attempted to put the mishap behind it.
òòò½ÊÓƵœI felt it was really important for them to feel itòòò½ÊÓƵ™s gone,òòò½ÊÓƵ Refugio head coach Katie Green said. òòò½ÊÓƵœThe minute it happened, itòòò½ÊÓƵ™s gone and we had to move forward. I think we did some relatable things in life like some things arenòòò½ÊÓƵ™t going to go perfect.
òòò½ÊÓƵœThe way you handle it and the way you overcome it is what defines you as a person,òòò½ÊÓƵ Green added. òòò½ÊÓƵœWe tried to use it as a lesson and donòòò½ÊÓƵ™t hang onto it because itòòò½ÊÓƵ™s done.òòò½ÊÓƵ
The disqualification is only one of the challenges the Lady Cats have been faced with this season.
As a result of construction on the track at Jack Sportsman Bobcat Stadium, Refugio often traveled to Woodsboro to practice. The Lady Cats first practice on their home track was during spring break.
òòò½ÊÓƵœThis is my 16th year as head coach,òòò½ÊÓƵ Green said. òòò½ÊÓƵœYou get into a pattern or rhythm. That kind of messed with the rhythm and the flow. It kind of made me think to rework some things practice wise.òòò½ÊÓƵ
The athletes did their best to adjust to the conditions and attempted to keep the end goal in mind.
òòò½ÊÓƵœWe try not to use that as an excuse because it happens,òòò½ÊÓƵ junior Jazaelynne Lewis said. òòò½ÊÓƵœYou just have to stay focused and do everything as hard as you can. Weòòò½ÊÓƵ™ve just got to work hard and keep coming out here and showing out. Thatòòò½ÊÓƵ™s like the biggest thing you have to do.òòò½ÊÓƵ
The Ladycats current focus is winning their third team title in four years at the Region IV-2A meet Friday and Saturday at Javelina Stadium in Kingsville.
òòò½ÊÓƵœYou just have to be humble,òòò½ÊÓƵ said junior Jasmyn Howard, who won five medals at last yearòòò½ÊÓƵ™s state meet. òòò½ÊÓƵœThere are people who are most likely faster than you. Youòòò½ÊÓƵ™ve just got to come out and run your race and go all out. You canòòò½ÊÓƵ™t worry about whatòòò½ÊÓƵ™s happened. You go out there in your other races or other jumps and do your best. Thatòòò½ÊÓƵ™s the best you can do for now on.òòò½ÊÓƵ
Refugio hopes to make up for some of the points it lost in the 400 relay in the 1,600 relay.
òòò½ÊÓƵœWe have a 4 by 4 and we have the dogs for the race so put your best on another relay,òòò½ÊÓƵ Lewis said. òòò½ÊÓƵœWe have some good chances. We have to be humble and have a straight head on so we can do our best.òòò½ÊÓƵ
Green expects the experience the Ladycats gained the last two years will help them this season.
òòò½ÊÓƵœControl what you can control,òòò½ÊÓƵ she said. òòò½ÊÓƵœWe get to this point every year where you can start adding points and start figuring out the other schools or you can just control yourself and take care of business.òòò½ÊÓƵ
