THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 22, 1996 TAG: 9605230591
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY KEITH POMPEY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: 49 lines
Denita Eason felt relieved at the end of Southeastern District track meet Saturday.
``I just wanted to thank God when it was over,'' the Great Bridge junior said. ``I was happy because I knew that I did the best that I could do. And I was happy because it was time for me to get some rest.''
For two days, Eason hobbled around Churchland's track. She was bothered by a sore ankle. And the 100-degree weather was starting to take its toll. She fell while handing off the baton in the 4x400 relay.
``Once I stopped running, I couldn't catch my breath,'' Eason said. ``So I just tried to lay down in the infield.
``I was in a lot of pain.''
But Eason wouldn't give up. She wanted to help Great Bridge win its second consecutive district title, but she was facing stiff competition.
In the field events, Eason had to deal with Oscar Smith's Cherida Carter - the area's top long jumper - and Norcom's jack-of-all-trades Brandi Smith. Deep Creek's Bobbie Joe Hess was her competition in the 100 and 200 meters.
But despite the pain, Eason stood out from the crowd.
She won the 100, the 200 and ran on Great Bridge's meet record-setting 4x400 relay (3:59.7) She also finished third in the triple jump and fourth in the long jump.
For her efforts, Eason is the Virginian-Pilot's female athlete of the week.
``I was proud of myself,'' she said. ``I think that a lot of other people did good. But I am proud of my performance. I'm happy because it seems like all that hard work that I did during the indoor and the beginning of outdoor season is starting to pay off.''
Next up for Eason is the Eastern Region meet at Todd Stadium this weekend.
She is passing on the 100 and 200 - events in which she is already qualified for the state meet - to see what she can do in the 400.
But next week's state meet might be the sternest test of her sprinting ability.
Eason will likely go head-to-head with Bayside's Lashonda Cutchin and Maury's Cassell Person for the state 100-meter title.
Cutchin the defending champ has already ran a 12.10. Person is the area's fastest at 12.04.
``Well I haven't decided what I'm running yet for state,'' Eason said. ``But when it comes, we will just have to wait and see whatever happens. If I do run the 100 that will probably be the biggest race of my career.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Denita Eason by CNB