Irby eyes history at the Indiana state meet

Pike IN senior going for unprecedented 12 individual state titles 

By Parker West for DyeStat

Ever since she was a freshman, Lynna Irby has dominated the sprint scene in the Hoosier State.

Irby has won the 100-200-400 triple at the state championship each of the past three years and her winning ways look like they could continue this weekend at Indiana's state championships.

If she can do it again, Irby will become the first female in Indiana history to win 12 individual state championships. Maicel Malone could have completed the feat in 1987, but she lost the 200 final as a sophomore by 0.08 seconds. Malone finished with 11 state titles.

At one point, Malone held the state records in the 100, 200, and 400, but in 2008 Candyce McGrone broke the 100 record with an 11.39 clocking, and Irby holds the 400 record at 51.39. Malone still holds the 200 record in 23.12, which has stood since 1986. Irby’s personal best is 23.53.

Sweeping all three sprint races won't be easy.

Avon’s Diamond Mitchell boasts the state’s fastest time over 100 meters at 11.73, just ahead of Irby’s 11.74. Irby does have the fastest PR with with 11.47. However, Irby remains the heavy favorite in the 200 and 400.

Although Irby holds the all-time state record in the 400, she does not hold the state meet record. Malone’s 52.42 from 1986 is still the fastest time run at the state meet. Irby also holds the state meet record in the 100 at 11.50, which she has run each of the past two years.

“The 100 record for sure is something I’ve thought about since last year,” Irby said. “I want to break it once and for all.”

Irby has run 17 races at the state meet over the course of her career, including relays and prelims. Her lowest finish in any of those races was third in the 4x400 in 2015. She enters her final state meet ready to run six more.

“It feels more emotional because it’s my last state meet ever and I really want to be able to make history,” Irby said, “There’s a lot of pressure, I hope I won’t disappoint anyone who’s coming to see me. Or most importantly, myself. 

“My training has been going in the right direction and I’m 100 percent healthy, so I’m excited to see what times will be run in the finals.”

Irby is leaving behind a legacy as she prepares to start her collegiate career at the University of Georgia, and she has a lot to reflect on.

“My final state meet means I’m growing up and the next chapter for my life and track career is starting,” Irby said. “Looking back, I’m very grateful and blessed for everyone’s support these past four years. When I won state as a freshman, I didn’t think it was a big deal, but when I look back on it, I can’t believe I accomplished such a huge task.”

Irby added that she still sometimes amazes herself. 

“I’m excited and sad because these four years have really flown by,” she said.

In a span of three hours, Irby will run five races. She competes at 5 p.m. Saturday in the 100 trials and again at 5:40 for the 200 trials. Presuming she qualifies for both finals, she will compete again at 6:25 for the 100 final. She'll return to the track for the 400 at 7:05 before running her final race, the 200 championship, at 8:05.