Teresa Brooks Lewis And Clark Year: Junior Sport: Track Events: 200, 400, Relays

Teresa Brooks was tired all day Saturday, but when the last race was won, she said, “I felt I can do more.”

How much more she can do is a scary thought, considering she won two races and was on two winning relay teams as Lewis and Clark won the Clarkston Invitational track meet.

Even more impressive is that her times in the 400 (58 seconds) and 200 meters (25.6) were meet records as was the Tigers’ 1,600-meter relay (4:12.5).

“I feel so strong,” the slight junior with the long gait said. “Basketball helped. We ran more than I ever have before.”

LC coach Mark Van Dyne agreed, but said, “She did a better job in the off-season getting herself ready. She played basketball but she also did some running on her own. She came in with a more focused mind-set. She’s grown and she’s stronger.”

Brooks considered herself a sprinter as a freshman but ran a couple 400s and then earned a gold medal at state on the 4x400 relay. Last spring, she finished third in the 400.

Those two events are her main focus, but her days as a sprinter aren’t over. She would like to make state in the 200, which is in reach if she stays healthy.

Saturday proved she could do it.

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