If speed kills, Ironton Lady Fighting Tigers coach Tim Thomas is hoping for some deadly results.

Friday, March 24, 2000

If speed kills, Ironton Lady Fighting Tigers coach Tim Thomas is hoping for some deadly results.

The strength of the Ironton track team will lie in the speed of seniors Rachael Perry and Alisa Philabaun, and juniors Christy Lilly and Sarah Herman.

"I think we’ll be fairly solid. We have some good sprinters back, and that’s where your team revolves around," said Thomas.

"We’ll rotate Rachel, Christy, and Sarah in the relays depending on the situation," said Thomas.

Since they all have good speed, Philabaun, Ford, Neal, Perry, Herman, Lilly, and Hannon will all figure in the 400, 800, and 1600 relays.

Herman will run both the hurdles.

"She’s athletic and works hard," said Thomas. "Sarah has made a big jump in her performance over last year, and Philabaun has really improved."

Philabaun will also long jump.

The Ironton coach said Amy Bunker and Angelina Pleasant, a couple of seniors, could help. Bunker will high jump and run some sprints while Pleasant will be involved 800 and 1600 meters.

Shay Hannon and Ashley Neal are two promising freshmen in the sprints while freshman Candace Ferguson will throw the shot put and discus.

"We’ve got a good group of freshmen and sophomores. We have a couple who will fill in the sprints, and Candace Ferguson has some potential in the shot and discus. She’s not ready just yet, but she is progressing," said Thomas. "If we can develop our throws and jumps, we can have a good team."

Marlie Ford, a sophomore, is a jumper and sprinter who Thomas said "will fit into the mix. We should be deep in the sprints."

Lilly will high jump while Hannon can long jump along with Philabaun.

Shalonda Scott, a senior, is expected to be a starter in the shot and discus along with Ferguson.

Freshman Adriane Hurley was expected to be a major factor in the 800 and other distance races, but a broken ankle has sidelined her for the season.

Ironton opens at the River Valley Invitational to be held at noon Saturday at the University of Rio Grande.