PCM’s Karr moves up the standings at Drake Relays

DES MOINES — Morgan Karr ran almost the exact same time in the 100-meter hurdles at the Drake Relays on Friday that she posted during last year’s annual event.

But the weather this weekend was much worse, and despite starting the race in a puddle of water, Karr moved up in the standings significantly.

The Mustang sophomore posted a time of 15.72 seconds and wound up 13th in a field of 32 competitors.

“Those girls really pushed me to be my best, which I really needed,” Karr said. “It was not a PR, but the conditions were not good either.”

The annual Drake Relays saw inclement weather throughout Friday and at the end of the day on Saturday, but Karr and the rest of the 100 hurdles field did not run in the rain during their preliminary race.

The top eight finishers in the prelims advanced to the final. The final qualifying time was 15.53, but Karr’s time was faster than three runners in the finals.

Karr also posted the third-best time among Class 2A athletes. In front of Karr were eight upperclassmen, three freshmen and one sophomore.

West Des Moines Valley’s Emma Havighurst had the fastest preliminary time and won the Drake Relays title, posting a time of 14.67 twice.

“It was nice to get back here for a second time, and I’m proud of myself for continuing to improve,” Karr said. “It was awesome to see my teammates here to support me, too. That was really nice of them.

“There are things I need to work on, but I’m pushing myself harder and harder for state this year.”

Karr’s time of 15.76 placed her 20th last season. Her goal for the rest of the year is to simply get healthy and stay healthy.

“I have a lot of pain in my knee,” Karr said. “I need to get it strengthened for state so that it doesn’t hurt every time my trail leg hits the ground.”