DIV. II TRACK Murray sets 200 mark at state

Girard's freshman advanced in three events to today's finals.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
DAYTON -- It didn't take long for Girard High freshman Cachet Murray to burst onto the state track and field scene. Her popularity could grow immensely today.
Murray and her uncanny speed drew much of the attention Friday in the Division II meet at Welcome Stadium.
She finished first in her 100-meter and 200-meter preliminary heats, and anchored the Indians' 4x100 relay that also qualified for today's finals.
Her time of 24.30 seconds in the 200 also broke the Div. II state record of 24.63, held by Thornville Sheridan's Judy Ratliff (1986) and Orrville's Deanna Caldwell (2000).
"I could hear all of my friends when I was in the start box," Murray said. "They were saying, 'Let's go. One more.' "
If Murray performs today as she did Friday, she may return to Girard with three state championship medals. It may be a lot to place on the shoulders of a freshman. But this is no ordinary freshman.
"I feed off the pressure," said the energetic Murray. "I'm loving every minute of it."
Murray's mother, Terry Murray, won state titles in the same events for Girard in 1980. Cachet appears to be following in that same path.
What did her mother tell her before the state meet? "Run, baby, run," Murray said.
That's exactly what Murray did. She finished first in her 100 heat (12.12), anchored the 4x100 relay (49.74) and broke the state record in the 200. And there's still one day remaining.
"All of my teammates are out supporting me," Murray said. "They wrote my name on their stomachs and backs."
Murray will have company from area schools when she competes in the finals today. Her cousin, Liberty junior Jessica White, won her 100 (12.56) and 200 (25.19) heats and contributed to the Leopards' qualifying 4x100 relay (50.12) and 4x200 relay (1:44.21).
"I'm a whole lot better than last year," White said, "because I have the experience, I'm more mature and not nervous like I was as a sophomore."
East Palestine senior Alex Casi will be busy today as she attempts to defend her state long jump title. She also qualified in the 100 (12.67), 200 (25.80) and 300 hurdles (45.19), in which she won her heat.
"I feel like I can't concentrate on one race," Casi said. "It's hard, but I've learned the past three weeks to stop and clear your mind."
Ursuline enjoyed good fortune when freshman Cierra Bennett qualified in the 400 (58.20), with the Irish's 4x400 relay (4:02.64).
"When the season started, we never had state in mind," said relay member Amber Miller. "We just ran to get points in the school meets. Now, it's a state meet."
Also qualifying were West Branch's Jen Hively in the 100 hurdles (15.62), Mooney's 4x200 relay (1:46.14) and West Branch's 4x400 relay (4:03.93).