[Buckskin86]

As expected, E. St. Louis wins Southwestern title
By Ken Roberts
POST-DISPATCH
05/08/2008

Kraig Appleton was the 300 low hurdles winner (37.4) and Evan Johnson captured the 200 (21.6). East St. Louis also won the 800 and 1,600 relays.

"Once you mind-frame you're the best, you can't be beat," said Appleton after easily winning his hurdles final. "Having it in your mind beats the stronger and fastest guy. Sometimes it takes the mind and heart to win the event."

In his race, Appleton cleared the first hurdle and left everyone behind including Miller (38.9), who was a distant second.

"Our coaches instill in us to get out of the blocks and be the first one to the hurdle," Appleton said. "That's where the race is won. It takes hard work, and with the coaches we have, they tell us whatever we need to do to win."

Appleton said winning the conference was "a stepping stone to build more character. We take these meets very seriously, and we train hard for them to come out on top."

STLtoday - Prep Sports - Track - Boys