A Mix of New and Old

The 2000-2001 track season will see the Akron Women’s Sprint crew as a blend of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance. Veteran sprinter Deanna Norflee from Trotwood Madison High School in Dayton will provide the leadership. Norflee returns as the top Zip sprinter in 2001. She has scored in the MAC indoor Championships at 60m and was the third leg on the Lady Zips’ MAC Champion 400m relay squad.

Deanna will be looked to provide guidance for the crop of young sprinters who will make up the rest of the Zips sprint crew. Heading that list is freshman Lucretia Corbin. Corbin enters her first season of competition for the Zips after placing 3rd in the 100m, 200m and 400m at the 1999 Ohio High School State Championships. With high school personal bests of 12.15 for 100m, 24.98 for 200m and 56.29 for 400m the future looks bright for the Urbana graduate. Also joining the Zips is freshman speedster Erica Burks.

Burks comes to Akron after a stellar high school career at Bedford. Her resume includes Ohio state championship titles in the 4x200m and 4x400m relays. Burks will be a key player in the open 400m and all the Zip relays.

Last but not least, Takeithia (TJ) Jordan of Garfield High School in Virginia joins the Zips for the 2001 campaign. TJ is an accomplished sprinter and relay runner who will also participate in the jumps. Jordan has run 12.0 for 100m and has a personal best of 5-10 in the high jump.

These young ladies will blend their talent and experience to
carry on the fine tradition of Lady Zip sprinting.