*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ***
Contact: Contact: Lori Williams, Head Coach - TOGETHER Track Club
Website:
www.thetogetherelitetrackteam .org
Rio Mesa Sophomore SprinterTakes Home Gold:
Hedgepeth Anchors Junior Olympic USA Track & Field 4x100 Relay to National Title
Rio Mesa sophomore sprinter, Saraina 'SaySay' Hedgepeth completes her 2007 track & field season as a gold medalist and national title holder in the 4x100 Intermediate Girls relay sprint and as a member of the TOGETHER ELITE track team.Anchoring for teammates Ashley Woodford, Jessica Davis and Breyonna Hunter, the team took charge of the 4x100 with a time of 46.16, after having only been 'together'since the completion of CIF Finals.
The girls were pulled 'together' by the non-profit team, TOGETHER ELITE to allow top ranked, female high school athletes an opportunity to compete nationally after CIF finals, since those competitions culminate with state championships. It was the team's first year, which skyrocketed from 10 team members before CIF finals to 50 members, after the high school season ended. 4x100 relay members were selected based upon times and regular run-offs, and Hedgepeth was a consistent contributor.
Other events that Saraina qualified to participate on an national level were the 100 and 200 meters, having taken the Regional Championship @ Oaks Christian in June in the 100 and placing 2nd in the 200.
She also competed on one of the 4x400 relay team at the Age Group Nationals in Lisle, Illinois, placing 4th as a 'B' team member.
This past weekend, at the USA Track & Field National Championships at Mount SAC in Walnut, California, Saraina finished 9th in the 100 with a time of 12.29 (just shy of medaling)and 16th in the 200 with a time of 25.10, out of 48 national competitors.
At Rio Mesa's Spring Athletic Awards, where Saraina was awarded team MVP, high school coach, Brian Fitzgerald announced that despite being an underclassman, so far she was the "4th fastest female sprinter in Rio Mesa history, but was in good company with Marion Jones, Angela Burnham and Porchea Carroll".
Lawrence Burkley, an Oxnard High Alumni, former UCLA sprinter, and a track coach in Los Angeles, has observed her over the years - including vault competitions in gymnastics - stated that 'Saraina is really strong and has alot more development to do.If she stays focussed she'll get her goal of breaking into the 11's by next season.'
Per Saraina, "I'm glad I decided to extend my season for the first time. I got the opportunity to make new friends, travel and experience 'the TASTE' of Chicago; now it's time to enjoy just resting !"