Eddie Payne/Carter Track Invitational
Jesse Owens Complex
March 31, 2007
Dallas, TX

The threat of thunderstorms on Friday called for an executive decision by Carter's coach Scott Jackson to cancel the prelims and run a timed final on Saturday. Saturday there was not a cloud in the sky, but the decision had already been made. All events on Saturday were determined by timed finals. The cool thing about this was the heating of those races. It made for an entertaining track meet at the Jesse Owens Complex.

Making a strong statement on the female side was Mansfield Timberview. After running a state leading time in the 4x100 relay last week, albeit hand-timed, the Wolves came to Dallas to prove that their time was no fluke...and that's exactly what they did. They got their day started by winning the 4x100 relay in a time of 46.16. There were some bad exchanges during the race. It was a nice tune up for next week's prestigious Texas Relays. In the 4x200, it looked more like practice as nobody came within 5 meters of the Lady Wolves as they ran away with the event in a state leading time of 1:37.04. In the 100, it was Sr. Missy Barnes edging out Naaman Forest's Kyericka Cole. Teammate, Jr. LaKeidra Stewart finished third.

Carter's Oscar Spurlock returned to form in his specialty, the 110 hurdles. Spurlock shot out the block and never looked back as he blasted to a time of 13.52. Carter's 4x100 showed off it's speed by winning the race in a time of 41.58, a season best for the Cowboys. "The track season don't start until the shoot-out" stated Coach Jackson.

Claiming the top spot this week was Desoto in the boys 4x400 relay. If today was precursor of what is to come next week in Austin, you better leave on Tuesday to get yourself a good seat. Today's battle was Desoto Vs. Lancaster. Desoto got out to an early lead. A lead that would not get away from them. During the final leg, Lancaster's Joe Field made an early but costly push to try to catch up. His efforts went for not as Desoto's Qualon Childress finished up strong to maintain the lead and hold on for the victory. Their winning time of 3:13.48 placed them back in the top spot for the state lead.

Mansfield Timberview claim the team title for the girls with 116 points, while Duncanville won the boys team title with 71 points.