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Complete Forecast for  Jul 09 2008

By SHANE STARK
Staff Writer

BULLARD — The wait seemed like forever, but lasted more like five minutes.

Bullard’s Charlie Moore followed historic company at the UIL Track and Field Championships last week. Prior to his turn in the triple jump, the junior sat patiently as officials measured the Class 3A record that Pittsburg’s Kendall Wright just set.

“They brought out three different tape measures, so there was about five minutes before I could even jump,” Moore said. “I was just wanting to have fun and see how far I could get.”

Moore finally got his chance before an electric crowd at the University of Texas’ Mike A. Myers Stadium. And contrary to many athletes, his weekend wasn’t finished after the meet.

His participation in spring athletics, either.

On Friday, Moore will help lead the Bullard baseball team (21-7) into the Class 3A Region II quarterfinals against Pleasant Grove (21-8) at Kilgore’s Driller Park (7 p.m.). The game will be a week removed from a whirlwind experience for Moore, who juggled baseball and track in successful fashion during a three-day stretch.

First was Thursday’s area round best-of-three baseball opener against Spring Hill, in which the Panthers prevailed 5-1.

Second was Friday’s state track meet, in which Moore finished seventh in the triple jump after two rounds and six jumps.

Last was Saturday’s second game of the baseball series, in which Moore went 2-for-3 with a triple to help Bullard secure the sweep, 6-1.

Bullard baseball coach Ronnie Dent wasn’t concerned with Moore experiencing any possible trouble juggling the sports. It’s something Moore has been doing all spring.

“He’s a very good athlete,” Dent said. “He knows when to turn the focus on and when not to. I wasn’t worried about him thinking about the state meet versus the baseball game.”

Following the baseball opener, Moore traveled with family and coaches for the 200-plus mile trip to Austin. The caravan arrived in the capital city about 2 a.m. Moore went to sleep about 30 minutes later and awoke at 10 a.m.

About five hours passed before he competed in the triple jump.

“I was concentrated,” Moore said. “It was baseball Thursday, and I put my mind on the triple jump Friday.”

Upon the conclusion of the triple jump, Moore spent little time before redirecting his attention to the diamond.

“When I was walking out of the stadium, I was ready to go play,” said Moore, who arrived home at 9:30 p.m.

Said Dent: “The main thing I was worried about was him driving in the car all day long. I wasn’t worried about him being tired from jumping.”

Notes: Moore, the anchor leg on all three relays in track, recorded a jump of 44 feet, six inches in the triple jump. He went 45-5? in the regional meet...During the baseball regular season, Moore batted .442 with three home runs, 20 RBIs and 18 runs scored...The Bullard-Pleasant Grove winner will meet either Kennedale or West in the regional semifinals.