Rougher track standout Diamond Lewis took a step for her future Wednesday as she signed a track letter of intent with Oklahoma Baptist University.
Lewis captured the Class 5A state championship in the 300-meter hurdles last year and finished second in the 100-meter hurdles setting new school records in both events and was part of the Roughers state championship 4X200 relay team. This year the Roughers have moved up to Class 6A where the competition has been tougher, but Diamond captured the title in both hurdles events at the Tahlequah meet and is ranked in the top six in the state in the 100-meter hurdles and ninth in the 300-meter hurdles.
The high-flying senior says she struggled with track her first two years in high school but with the help of hurdle’s coach Mikeus Moore and an improved mindset, she had a great junior year explained head track coach Craig Perry.
“Last year at state she was leading the 100-meter hurdles when she clipped the last hurdle and finished second. She could have sulked about it, but she took the attitude of ‘I’m going to go out and win the 300’ and that’s what she did. This year we started the season at Union and she went up against some experienced hurdlers and I think that opened her eyes a little and she’s developed ‘I’ve got to get with it’ attitude.
Still ahead are regionals and what Diamond hopes will be a chance to defend her title in the 300 and clear that last hurdle in the 100 and take home some more gold at state.
