O’Fallon’s Kersten Douglas has speed to burn

Speed to burn.

Kersten Douglas fits the description very well.

The OTHS track and field standout was a major factor in the Lady Panthers exceptional spring campaign of 2015 and has burst out of the starting blocks this year.

In O’Fallon’s first competition of the season at the SIU- Carbondale Indoor meet, she blew away the competition in the 200, placed second in the 60 meter dash and was a member of the winning 4x200 relay team which turned in the second best time in the state in the event.

The O’Fallon junior, the daughter of Sam and Suzy Douglas, has already developed quite a racing resume, foreshadowing the strong start to the current season. She ran the lead off leg for the Panthers’ 4x100 relay which finished third in the state finals and filled the same lead off role for the 3x200 which brought home a second place state medal.

O’Fallon coach Neil James expects the same type of performance from his sprint star in several individual events.

“Kersten is one of our biggest point contributors,” James said. “We will also count on her as one of the top sprinters in both the 100 and 200. She is stronger than last year and therefore is running better this spring than she has previously.”

“I participate in track and field because it is something that I am passionate about,” Douglas said. “I am motivated to do my best because I hope to receive a full scholarship for college. I began running in the sixth grade after following my friend to tryouts. My success has been achieved through my faith in God and the support of my family and friends.”

“Running track has helped me organize my time management,” the junior speedster added. “Competing in athletics has also helped me formulate and chase my goals.”

This story was originally published March 16, 2016 at 6:50 AM with the headline "O’Fallon’s Kersten Douglas has speed to burn."