H.S. Track:  Monahans’ Murphree Places Third in 3A Shot
    By Craig Craker, Staff Writer ~~ Odessa American, May 13, 2007

AUSTIN  Michael Murphree’s best throw didn’t count, making his third-place finish even more disappointing.

On the final shot put of his high school career, the Mona-hans senior threw a beauty.

As the throw arched high into the sky, Murphree stood up to watch it and stepped out of the pit, erasing a 58 to 59 foot throw.

“I could understand if I fell out of the pit or was out of control, but to step out because I was watching is real frustrating,” Murphree said. “There are a whole lot of ‘What if’ questions.”

Murphree did take home his first medal, though. He finished third with a throw of 56 feet, 6.5 inches.

“I had a successful season, from football to track,” he said.

Hayden Baillio of Whitesboro won with a throw of 59-4, while Michael Sauls of Borger was second at 57-4 1/4.

The Monahans 400-meter relay team finished seventh with its best time of the season. The Loboes ran the race in 42.73 seconds.

“Whenever we looked at it at the first of the year, we thought we’d maybe qualify two,” said Murphree, one of nine Monahans boys athletes at the meet. “Having nine has just been great. It’s made the whole trip a blast."