Local Weather Forecast
Today: Current:73	Friday: 95/75	Saturday: 96/74
Complete Forecast for  Jul 24 2008

By SHANE STARK
Staff Writer

AUSTIN — Arp senior Randi Wymer is fourth in her class, plans to attend Stephen F. Austin next fall and wants to study environment science.

Wymer will personify the term “student-athlete” at the Class 2A Track & Field Championships at the University of Texas’ Mike A. Myers Stadium.

Wymer will compete in the 3200 (11 a.m. today) and 1600-meter runs (2:45 p.m. Saturday). The appearances come after she fell one spot shy of a berth the past two seasons.

“It’s feels great; finally reaching one of my goals,” said Wymer, a two-time state qualifier in cross country. “I’ve put more miles in this year.”

At last month’s 2A Region III meet, Wymer finished first in the 3200 (12 minutes, 42 seconds) and runner-up in the 1600 (5:37.27).

Rebecca Jensen of Elkhart placed first in the 1600 (5:31.50) and second in the 3200 (12:16.00).

Wymer has made Arp proud, Arrington said.

“For her to be representing Arp is great,” he said. “She’s done everything; she’s an all-around girl. It’s just a great accomplishment for her.”

Wymer enters the meet with slowest 1600 qualifying time, and is second to last 3200 time.

Hamilton’s Amber Weems has the top time in both events — 5:20.32 in the 1600, and 11:36.18 in the 3200.

Though the road to topping such times figures to be tough, Wymer said close influences have given her the opportunity.

“I’ve got so much support from home and from the teachers and coaches,” said Wymer, who plans to run track and cross country at SFA and hopes to break 12 minutes at state. “It makes it a lot easier. I’ve been raised to be focused. I have to keep up my studies, of course.

“It all kind of ties together.”

Said Arrington: “This is Randi’s goal, and she’s made it.”