GreenMonster
05-10-2008, 02:23 PM
Iowa Park's Kelsey Johnson (Alabama signee) won both the girls 3200 and 1600 meter State Championships. Kelsey dominated the field in the 3200 winning by roughly 150 meters over the nearest competitor. The 1600 was a much tighter race that required a new state record (4:53.75) and out kicking the previous state record holder, Kristie Krueger who also broke the previous mark in her second place effort. Johnson was able to hang on to finish 0.61 seconds out in front for the victory. Kelsey was actually the odds on favorite to win gold in both events last year, but failed to qualify for state due to an illness that drained her energy and strength. After taking some time off to recover Kelsey re-focused her goals on the State Title in both events and has worked extremely hard to get herself back into elite form. Congratulations to Kelsey Johnson for staying the course in the face of adversity and pressing on for victory.