Perry’s Lasater ACC champ

Georgia Tech sophomore Brandon Lasater, a Mt. de Sales graduate from Perry, won gold at the Atlantic Coast Conference track and field championships held over the weekend in Raleigh, N.C.

In the 800 meters, Lasater used what is described as a “trademark kick” in the final length to win the race with a time of 1:48.79. The victory also earned Lasater All-ACC honors for the 2013 season.

Going into the ACC meet, Lasater racked up a pair of both conference and national honors for a performance earlier in April. According to Georgia Tech athletics, he was named the Division I Men’s National Athlete of the Week by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

Lasater posted a clutch performance in the final 100 meters of the 4×800-meter relay at the Florida Relays held in Gainesville. Lasater chased down the 800-meter collegiate leader, Sean Obinwa of Florida, on his home track in the final 100 meters to steal the victory from the Gators with a 7:22.37 to Florida’s 7:22.41.

Trailing by nearly 10 meters on the final straight after the two runners started their anchor legs at approximately the same time, Lasater kicked into gear to close the gap in the waning seconds and edge out Obinwa on what was recorded as a 1:48.30.

To go with the coach’s award, Lasater was named the Atlantic Coast Conference Men’s Performer of the Week for the first time.

Also at the Florida Relays, Lasater set a personal record (1:48.34) in the 800 meters to take fourth out of 44 competitors. That is the fastest time for an ACC runner in this event this season.

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