For Western hurdler Theresa Lewis, high school has been a time for refining her talent. It has also been a time for having her talents recognized.
Lewis has been fortunate in both respects.
Lewis, who also drew interest from schools such as Florida, Tennessee and UCLA, has decided to run track and field for Louisville in the fall of 2006.
“After visiting the school, I developed a great connection with the coach and the other girls on the team, and I felt this was a great fit for me,” Lewis said. “I?m excited to start a brand new track careerat Louisville.”
Last year, Lewis had a fabulous state meet. She captured the 100-meter hurdles in 13.76 seconds and the 300-meter hurdles in 43.75.
In a semifinal heat of the 100 hurdles, Lewis set a state record when she won the heat in 13.64, eclipsing the previous record of 14.12 established by Wilde Lake?s Nyjla Littlejohn in 1997.
“By her running so fast, she brings leadership to our team and really inspires her teammates to follow in her footsteps,” Western track coach Jerry Molyneaux said. “She is an extremely versatile athlete who has brought notoriety to our sport unlike any other athlete I?ve coached.”
Lewis also participates in the high jump, shot put and the 400-meter relay at Western, displaying her leaping ability and athleticism in all three events.
“When we saw Theresa perform the hurdles in high school we instantly felt she could come here and be a force on our team,” Louisville coach Ron Mann said.
Lewis, who had played basketball since the seventh grade, didn?t hesitate to try something new.
This year, the senior standout hit the weight room for strength training several days a week, and improved her leg strength.
“I try to run and exercise throughout the entire year so I can stay fresh for track season,” Lewis said. “I have to keep my legs fresh so I can go to college and run with girls who are really talented.”
THE LEWIS FILE
School: Western (Baltimore City)
Sport: Track
Position: Hurdles/Sprinter
Future college: Louisville
Did you know? Lewis? mark of 13.24 in the 100 hurdles is the fastest time in the country registered by a high school athlete, according to dyestat.com. Her time in the 300 hurdles at the state meet is ranked 35th in the nation …
Lewis changed the record books at the Baltimore City championships. Her winning time of 14.10 in the 100 hurdles broke the previous record of 14.44 set by Lewis last spring, while her mark of 44.72 in the 300 hurdles beat the previous record of 46.00 established by Western?s Ashaley Davis in 2002.
