Kimball's Lauren Blackburn thought about her 100-meter hurdles time at the 4A Region II track and field meet, then thought about how far she had come in a year.

The sophomore was sidelined much of her freshman year because of grades. When she was eligible, her best time in the 100 hurdles was a shade below 15 seconds.

A year later, Blackburn is a state qualifier and a favorite to medal. She won the 4A Region II meet in 13.94, defeating the closest competition by more than one-half second.

She also shaved one second off her personal best as a freshman.

"I felt like I really reached my goal for this year because I was trying to get to the 13s," Blackburn said. "Now I've got to do it at state."

Blackburn might have to top Saginaw juniors Destiny Lumas and Donique' Flemings to win a gold medal.

Lumas placed third at last year's state meet and ran a 13.15 this season. Flemings has run a personal-best 13.41 this season.

"She's still young, but that's not going to be a downfall for her. She doesn't worry about anything," Kimball coach Anthony B. Miller said. "She knows that if you work hard, good things will come to you."

Blackburn said, "I don't feel like I have any pressure. I just run my race. This is my first time, so if I don't do it this year, I'll have other chances. But I'm going there to do my best."

Damon L. Sayles