Note: Only 8 athletes per event can qualify for the State Meet each year, so it is a high honor just to make it to State. Also, 9 of the National High School Track & Field Records are currently held by Texans which makes the UIL State Track & Field Meet one of the most prestigious high school track meets in the United States.    

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Austin (Mike A. Myers Stadium June 5, 2009)—Save the best for last.

Senior Chandrell Stephens did in fact save her best for last as she won the 200 Meters at the 2009 UIL State Track & Field Meet in her final race as a Jackrabbit. She picked a wonderful way to say goodbye.

In the 200-meter race, Stephens exploded out of the blocks to take an early lead. As she hit the curve, I could see that she was out in front. I knew at that moment she was going to win. Watching her pull away from the other runners in the final 100 meters of the race was a thrill for me. She finished the race in a fantastic time of 23.96 seconds.  Congratulations Chandrell on being crowned the 200 Meters State Champion!!! All of Forney is proud of you. The medalists in the 200-meter race were Stephens (Gold), Christy Udoh of Houston Westbury (Silver-- in a time of 24.36 seconds), and Ashley Collier of Fort Worth Dunbar (Bronze-- in a time of 24.58 seconds).

*See the June 11, 2009 issue of the Forney Messenger for entire story and additional photos.