Last year, Whitehall’s Edrien Lee finished fifth in the 100 in 12.47 at the districts and she notched a ninth-place spot in the 200 in 26.91 there.

From there, Lee earned a trip to states for the 100 due to her qualifying time in which she posted a time of 12:56, gaining a 16th-place finish.

Now, Lee, a senior, is making a return to Shippensburg this weekend, looking to improve her mark in her final try with some momentum behind her.

At districts this season, Lee ran the 100 in 11.96, which proved to be her personal record. Along with lowering her time, Lee also raised her confidence.

Other Zephyrs who placed in the top 10 in their respective events at the district meet were Llyneida Otanez, who was eighth in the 100 hurdles and also fifth in the 300 hurdles in 45.44.

Maya Williams was eighth in the high jump at 4-11, and Tyler Tehonica was seventh in the shot put with a throw of 46-8.5. Their girls’ 4 x 100 relay team was fifth in 50.41.

Lee was pleased with her district outing.

“I felt really good after I ran at districts,” said Lee. “It is definitely the race that I wanted to run. My goal was to run under a 12, and I did just that.”

Going into the race, Lee kept everything in the proper perspective.

“I was pretty confident going in, but I always try not to get too confident,” added Lee. “In the end it can really be anyone’s race, so I just ran the best that I could.

Since Lee’s freshman year, head coach Nicole Richards has watched her sprinter develop.

“She has made progress with workouts and added lifting,” said Richards. “She competed in New Balance Nationals as a freshman, but then wasn’t eligible after her sophomore season. She ran a strong race at states last year.

“She has a lot of potential and God-given talent. She qualified for the state meet last year on qualifying time, and that was a big deal. Edrien has been running really well, and she is peaking at the right time.

“We expect her to do well.”

Lee is optimistic that her district showing can be a springboard at states. Her return trip will make her feel more comfortable.

“I’m very pleased with how I did,” said Lee. “This time around, I will be less nervous. I kept my training habits with my coach, hydrating, stretching and eating right.

“I focused on my block start for this weekend.”