Rogers senior Chase Lamers is the reigning 7A state champ in the 100 meter dash and after running a personal best of 10.93 seconds at the conference meet, his chances of repeating are looking quite good.
"Probably break 11 seconds, that should get me the title," said Lamers.
That was before he knew the official time of his 100 meter dash, a blazing 10.93 seconds, which is only four-tenths of a second off the Arkansas high school record set by Fred Rose in 2007. Not even Lamers thought he could run that well.
"It was really unexpected, honestly. I hadn't run the 100 in about two weeks but I felt strong out of the blocks. I felt a lot stronger than I usually do out of the blocks, a lot quicker and usually I'm behind and have to catch and pass everybody. This time I was out in front and it felt good."
Being one of the fastest kids in the state has to feel good, but ask his coach Jim Yurwitz and he'll tell you that 100 meters just isn't enough track.
"He needs a longer race, and he doesnt know it; well I think he does know it but he's a college 400 meter runner is what he really is," said Rogers coach Jim Yurwitz.
"Everybody says I have the body to be a 400 runner but somestimes I disagree because I feel like I don t have the stamina," said Lamers. "I feel like I'm becoming more of a 400 runner honestly, and hopefully I can run in college somewhere."
With college so close, Lamers said he would love to walk on at the University of Arkansas and possibly run the 400. But first comes the 7A State meet and he's feeling pretty good with his new personal best time.
"Definitely ups my confidence for sure," said Lamers.