Senior Emery Lomon was part of the 4X100 relay team that set a state record last year and is the two-time state champ in that event after finishing third her freshman year.  So this year, making it a three-peat is one of her main goals as the track season gets underway for the Pirates.

“Obviously making it three in a row in the 4X100 would be big but I also hope we can do better in the 4X200 this year. Individually, I finished third at state last year in the open 100 and 200 so I’d like to improve in those events as well.”

Emery started out playing softball under the direction of her dad, whom she credits with a lot of her success.

“Dad got me started playing softball and was my coach for several years. That’s always kind of been our thing. But this year I decided not to play softball and devote my time fully to track and he’s been behind me all the way. Sometimes we butt heads, but I know it’s because he wants the best for me and he’s always going to be my biggest cheerleader.”

Emery got her start running when she got to high school, but it wasn’t without some hesitation.

“My freshman year coach (Matt) Aguero came to Poteau to coach track, and I really didn’t think I wanted to run but my parents and he talked me into it and he helped me see that running can be fun which is something I now try to pass along to the younger girls. He really helped me get to where I am,” said Emery who is also in the National Honor Society.

New track coach Coffee Ballard is ready to see Emery shine in her last go-round as a Pirate.

“She’s a great leader and very coachable. She’s willing to do whatever is needed to help the program.”