Lea Duben

Tim Monihan and Farmers Insurance in Peachtree City have presented junior runner Lea Duben with the third spring sports Player of the Week.

“She is a very hard worker and sets a great example to her teammates,” varsity head coach Chad Walker said. “She shattered the time we thought she was gonna get, and she’s a key aspect to our group”.

Lea started running her sophomore year and has set impressive personal records since then. She has a 4×400-meter time of 4:01.31, 100-meter time of 13.01 seconds, and 200-meter time of 26.98 seconds. Duben also runs the 300-meter in 42.73 seconds and the 300-meter hurdles in 47.63 seconds.

“I overcome my nerves before a big race by saying a quick prayer,” Duben said. “The intense workouts and practices our coaches put together prepare us the best.”

During the Nike Panther Relays earlier this season, Duben placed 6th in her first attempt in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 47.63 seconds, good enough to be currently ranked 7th in AAAAA. She was part of the sprint medley relay team that placed 3rd with a time of 1:50.88. Duben also ran the 4×400-meter relay race that finished 5th with a time of 4:03.59, good enough to be ranked 5th in AAAAA.

“What keeps me going is the constant encouragement of my teammates, coaches and being surrounded with like-minded athletes,” Duben said.

The next varsity home meet is Friday Night Lights on March 30 in Panther Stadium with events starting at 4:30 p.m.