Americus runner attempts to break state record

AMERICUS, Ga. - Gena Pina has dominated track throughout her three-year career against other Georgia opponents.<br> <br> Now, the Schley County High School senior could become the state&#39;s first four-time winner in two events at the Class A State Championships in Albany. Pina runs the mile on Thursday, and returns for the two-mile on Friday.<br> <br> ``She can do it,&#39;&#39; said Tommy Barnes, who coaches the Schley County High School track team.<br> <br> Pina ran her best mile at 5:18 in 2004, while eclipsing her personal mark in the two-mile with 11:27 last year. She wants a ``totally relaxed&#39;&#39; mentality heading into both events just like to her previous races.<br> <br> ``I know God has given me a gift and I know that he is going to take care of me,&#39;&#39; Pina said. ``I don&#39;t worry about anything when I&#39;m out there. I feel that I can win.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> She captured three consecutive cross-country championships and would have had a good chance to win the title again last fall had she competed. Barnes believes a well-rested Pina should have an advantage over competitors who have run more races.<br> <br> ``I don&#39;t want that to happen to Gabbie,&#39;&#39; Barnes said. ``Taking off for cross country might have been a good thing for her. She&#39;s special and has an opportunity to take herself to the international level. That&#39;s how good she can become because there is no limit on her potential.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Recently, Pina was offered a scholarship from Butler County Community College in El Dorado, Kan. Since the school is known for its athletic-academic achievement and has a stellar track and field program, Barnes hopes Pina accepts the offer.<br> <br> ``I know its a tough decision for her to make,&#39;&#39; Baker said. ``I really don&#39;t know what she&#39;s going to do. I hope she does take it.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> But the decision could come down to distance. Butler County CC would be just over 1,000 miles from her hometown Ellaville.<br> <br> For now, Pina is keeping her options open.<br> <br> ``I haven&#39;t ruled out going there but we&#39;ll see what happens,&#39;&#39; she said.<br> <br> Information from: Americus Times-Recorder, http://americustimesrecorder.com<br> <br> (Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)