Photo by William Grundy
On the final day of AAU competition, the first race on the docket was the 3,000m and it was full of Texas athletes. One of those Texas athletes was North Texas Jackrabbit's EMILY CHASTAIN and not only was she in the race but she owned the race.
Chastain kept contact the entire race, which was part of her plan. The rest of the race plan was to take over the race with two laps to go. She did just that. As there was a half mile remaining, Chastain bared down and picked up the tempo and didn't let down until she had crossed the line as the winner and she did so with a PR of 11:02.57.
On Tuesday, Chastain medaled in the 1500m with a 5:03.78 for 8th place was determined to improve her placement. In the 3,000m, she said it was all about positioning herself for the last two laps.
Photo by William Grundy
Chastain, the TAPPS middle distance star is coming into her own as she will start her first cross country season soon. The Plano Prestonwood star could be in for a big time senior year coming off the club season and her accomplishments and confidence gained.
Both Sierra Gonzales of San Antonio and Lisbeth Britt of Austin Royals also ran well. Gonzales ran tough throughout the 3,000 meters with a11:26.83 and 11:43.52 for 5th and 6th. Also medaling was Trinity Colbert from Arlington with her 8th place finish as she finished with a 12:06.23.