Loboes Reach Their Goal with Title
    By Craig Craker  ccraker@oaoa.com  ~~ Odessa American ~~ March 11, 2007

One year removed from a close loss to Abilene Wylie at the West Texas Relays, the Monahans Loboes had one goal in mind:  Winning the 2007 team title.

Led by solid relay teams and strong field events, the Loboes did just that Saturday at Ratliff Stadium, winning the Boys Division II title with 118.5 points.  Midland Christian was second with 94 and Abilene Wylie was third with 70.

“We knew it would be real close,” senior Michael Murphree said. “We are not quite as fast in the relays, but our field events helped pull us through.  We really wanted to win this year.”

Murphree won the discus with a throw of 140 feet, 4 inches.  Arnold Rodriguez and Devon Fann finished second and third, respectively, in the long jump.

In the relays, the Loboes won the sprint relay in 44.33 seconds and finished second in the 800-meter relay in 1:31.

“It actually feels great to get back on top,” senior Chris Roberson said.  “I think we came out wanting to win the West Texas Relays and it helped us through.”

Roberson anchored the 800 relay and the sprint relay and finished third in the 200.

The only thing marring the victory for the Loboes was the fact that Abilene Wylie was missing three of its top runners, who were in Austin playing in the UIL  Class 3A State Basketball Championship game.

The victory Saturday should help propel the Loboes in their next two meets — the Tall City Relays in Midland and the San Angelo Relays — as well as in the district and regional meets.

“I think this will be a big boost of confidence for us,” Roberson said.  “We aren’t one of the best teams to come through Monahans, but we won the West Texas Relays."