When 12 juniors and seniors from across the area prepared to record their best marks in the triple jump at the Valley Oak League championships on May 7, they probably didn’t expect much from the lone underclassman in their field.
But Oakdale freshman Dezirae Pennington had no plans of taking it easy in her first ever varsity league competition. Pennington exploded for a 32 foot, 10-inch jump to improve upon her previous personal best by over two feet and take the varsity gold among six competing schools in that event.
She also placed third in the 200, and advanced to see action at the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV-V Championships in both events.
Pennington earns Athlete of the Week honor from The Leader after a tremendous introduction to varsity competition and section advancement in two different events.
Her career should only continue to impress as she gains experience and confidence.