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PHOTO: Arcanum's Brooke Strayer captured the gold at the 2006 State Track and Field Championships.
| VIDEO: BROOKE STRAYER INTERVIEW |
Arcanum's Brooke Strayer had every reason to smile at the 2006 State Track and Field Championships in Columbus, Saturday.
After all, she was all alone at the top of the medal stand hearing her name announced over the loud speaker as 2006 State Champion in the 300 meter hurdles.
"I still can't believe it," said a delighted champion. "I have the medal to prove it, but it just hasn't sunk in yet."
Strayer has been to state twice before. As a freshman, Strayer placed fourth in the 300 meter hurdles with a time of 44.99.
"Three years ago I was excited just to be at state," Strayer described. "I couldn't imagine being on top (of the medal stand)."
Looking for a higher spot on the podium as a sophomore, Strayer failed to qualify and left the meet disappointed.
She took a year away from track and played softball as a junior. But, the urge to come back and make one last go at state as a senior was too tempting.
"I never regretted playing softball last year (as a junior)," said Strayer. "It was a wonderful experience. But, I felt I had some unfinished business on the track so I came back this year to give it one more shot."
Strayer performed at a championship level all year, consistently fielding one of the higher times in the state.
She entered the state meet with high expectations, but had to battle the elements to just qualify for the finals.
With rain pouring heavily all morning in Friday's preliminaries, the track was more suitable for ducks.
Despite the circumstances, Strayer managed to qualify for the finals.
With a dryer track for the finals on Saturday, Strayer made her move toward history. She trailed Liberty Benton's Kesha Brooks for much of the race, but was within striking distance as the two came down the stretch.
Strayer finally caught Brooks on the last hurdle and stretched her way to victory in a time of 44.53.
After receiving taking her rightful place at the top of the medal stand and receiving the gold, Strayer did what all great champions do...thank those who got her there.
"This (winning state) is a dream come true," concluded Strayer. "I just want to thank my coach and everybody that has given me so much support. I couldn't have done this without them."
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