Above photo: Sophomore Devontae Persha runs the open mile. -- LEON TOMLINSON | SNN
By BARBARA NEAL
SNN Staff Writer
On your mark, get set, go! The Lakewood track team has always been known for doing a phenomenal job, but this year the boys are excelling more than ever. Coach Anthony Snead said he has been very pleased with this season so far.
“The season (has been) very good this year … also we have added key additions,” said track coach Anthony Snead. “They are ahead of pace as far as setting records.”
On April 4, the boys came in frist in the Pinellas County Athletic Conference track meet. And the boys have come out on top in the county when it comes to the 4x400 meter, Snead said. Snead listed some of the star runners on the team: Shaquem Griffin, Timothy Holmes, Devontae Pershay, Tahrell Jones and Jevaris Little. All of these young men have shown outstanding forthrightness on and off the track as any student athlete should, Snead said.
Griffin, a junior in AVID, runs the triple jump, high jump, 4x100 meter, 4x400 meter, and throw the discus. Griffin ranks number one in all five events in the county.
“My biggest weakness is not drinking enough water,” says Griffin. “To prepare for a track meet I chill, and visualize the meets before I actually go to them.”
Holmes, also a junior, runs the 300 meter hurdles and 4x400 meter. Holmes ranks number one in the county for the 300 meter hurdles.
“My strengths are the 400 meter and 300 meter hurdles. It’s easier for me - it’s like I glide through them,” he said. To prepare for a track meet Holmes, who is undefeated in the 300 meter, makes sure he is well rested and well fed.
Sophomore Devontae Pershay runs the 4x800 meter, 800 meter, the mile run and the high jump. Pershay is ranked second in the county for his events. Pershay believes his strength is his speed.
“My weakness is my shin splints. I have shin splints because of running too much on the asphalt,” said Pershay.
Senior Jevaris Little runs the 100 meter and the 4x100 meter. He is ranked second in the county. His strengths are short distance sprints. Little believes that the reason he does so well in the meets is because of junior twins Shaquill and Shaquem Griffin. Little and the Griffins work out and “clown around” to prepare for track meets. This strategy eases their mind which makes it easier to clear their heads and focus on the meet, he said.
