Lady Bulldogs runner ready for first-ever state meet
When Muldrow Lady Bulldogs cross country runner Tiphany Martinez chose to run cross country this fall, little did she know she would end her inaugural season by qualifying for Saturday morning’s Class 4A State Meet, which will take place at 8:30 a.m. at North Rock Creek High School, located north of Shawnee.
“This is my first year to run cross country,” Martinez said. “I didn’t think I would end up being a state qualifier. It’s just really exciting. I didn’t expect it. I feel like I’ve been doing really good this season, and I’ve been getting better with each meet. My time has been decreasing.”
Martinez finished 26th in last Saturday’s Class 4A Regional Meet in Henryetta, but it was good enough to snatch one of the seven individual berths to this Saturday morning’s state meet, which thrilled the Muldrow junior runner to no end.
“I was really excited,” she said. “I was motivated (at the regional meet). I didn’t think I would make it to state. Now, I’m really motivated to win something at state. I’m all excited about that, but I’m really nervous because I’ve never been to state in anything.
I’m really excited.”
Unfortunately for the Lady Bulldogs or Bulldogs, Muldrow will have to settle for Martinez carrying the torch for the cross country program at Saturday morning’s state meet, but the junior runner is proud to do so.
“There’s pride in that, but I’m nervous about that, too,” Martinez said. “It’s like they’re all expecting something from me since I’m the only one that made it.”
Nothing would thrill Martinez more if she can win the Class 4A State Meet’s individual state championship.
“I would feel very joyous,” she said. “It’s all thanks to God. It’s all up to Him. It’s all up to me — how much work and effort I put in. I’m really excited about that. If I win, there you go!”
Another feat which Martinez could achieve is being an All-Star, which is the equivalent of a senior making All-State, by finishing in the top 10. That, too, would please the Muldrow state qualifier.
“I don’t know,” Martinez said. “I really didn’t know about that. I’d be really blessed to have that title. It’s motivating me more to get near the top. I’m really excited about that.”
