Mothers always like to brag about their children, no matter what the age. I'm no different---I want to brag about the great job that Robin has done in his first year as Head Coach of the Oak Grove Girl's Track team. Yesterday they competed at South State and four of the girls have qualified to compete at the state championship meet next week.

Two of the girls who performed well are Pacers Brittney Ware and Melinda Soloman. Brittney qualified in the 3200 and the 800 and Melinda qualified in the 3200 and 1600. Other qualifiers are in the 800 and the shot put. The high jumper placed 5th and the 400 relay was 5th.

Robin's coaching success is even more impressive when you consider that Oaqk Grove does not have a track. They have no high jump pit, throwing circle or the equipment that other programs have. In addition, most of the other programs have 4-6 coaches. Robin had two volunteers and a USM intern. Hopefully, this will soon change as track and field becomes more recognized as an important part of the athletic program.

_________________
Becky Ryder
hryder29@comcast.net
Hattiesburg, MS

Way to go, Robin and track team!

Grrls rule!!! (especially hard working ones!)

sheryl c.

Saturday, May 3, the Oak Grove High School Girl's Track Team, coached by Robin Ryder, competed in the South State Championship at Gulfport. The top four finishers at this meet move on to the State Championship at Pearl High School on Saturday, May 10th starting at 10:30 am.

The Oak Grove qualifiers for the State Meet are:

Melinda Solomon, 3200: 12:34 for 4th place and 1600: 5:42 for 3rd place
Brittany Ware, 3200: 12:30 for 3rd place and 800: 2:37 for 3rd place
Jessica Humpherys, 800: 2:38 for 4th place
Hayley Wommack, Shot Put: 34'6" for 4th place

By qualifying for state the girls are considered All-State.

_________________
Becky Ryder
hryder29@comcast.net
Hattiesburg, MS