By Ryan Rogers
LSUsports.net
LSU track & field Coach Pat Henry has given new definition to the “don’t rebuild, just reload” ideology. His streak of 11 straight National Championships are testament enough to that statement.
Just like every other successful athletic program, LSU track and field has seen its share of talented athletes leave behind legacies. Replacing these stars is often hard to do. Last years’ National Champion squad saw a very talented senior class that included Peta-Gaye Dowdie, Valma Bass, Keisha Spencer, Monique Freeman and Joyce Bates depart.
LSU has a young “filly” in the stable. Muna Lee has arrived on LSU’s campus and made quite a statement on the track. It’s difficult to place so much pressure on a freshman, but Lee has the potential to develop into one of the best sprinters in LSU history.
One of the most sought after recruits in America, Henry lured Muna Lee to LSU. She ran a blazing 11.36 in the 100-meter dash at the Olympic Trials last year after completing a successful career at Central High in Kansas City, Mo.
This season, Lee has turned some heads and drawn comparisons to some of these former greats.
For her efforts during the indoor season, Lee was named SEC Indoor Freshmen of the Year.
“So far at LSU I’ve relied on raw talent to win. I think I can get a lot better once I develop as a better runner fundamentally,” said Lee.
Lee became the first LSU sprinter since Esther Jones to win the 100m and 200m titles in the SEC Championships. Her blazing performance startled the onlookers at the meet in Columbia, South Carolina.
“I really don’t see it as being a big deal. I just went out and ran and I did well,” said Lee.
Despite the fact that this is Lee’s first appearance at the NCAA’s, she’s not just showing up for fun. Lee is a favorite to place highly in both events. She has the second best time in the 100m and the 3rd best time in the 200m heading into the competition.
“I just want to go out and run the best that I can. I can win if things go well for me,” said Lee.
Lee also anchors the 4×100-meter relay team for LSU, a squad that tied for the national lead heading into the NCAA Championships.
Lee was a two-sport standout in high school. She could have played basketball at the collegiate level, but chose track instead.
“I had a lot of basketball offers. My senior year I quit the basketball team because we weren’t doing well and I chose to stick with track.”
Lee fully understands the implications of her early success at LSU.
“All I can do is work hard and run fast. I can’t pay attention to all the hype.”
Lee has just moved with the flow as a freshman at LSU. Down the road, she will likely become an anchor on the squad. Who knows, Lee may lead LSU to begin another streak of title runs.