Held at the brand-new JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem, the meet is open for unattached individuals and clubs from around the Southeast.

National Signing day began on February 1st and Many of the Track and XC Stars from all over the state have began signing their letters of intent. We want to applaud all of our college-bound seniors and celebrate their decisions of where they will spend the next four years. Send your signings announcements and signing ceremony photos to btaylor@milesplit.us and we will get them posted asap. Please resize your pics to to around 350 x 275 in jpg format.

Not to anyone's surprise here in Georgia, as Foot Locker All-Americans, FPD's Grace Tinkey and Peachtree Ridge's Josh Brickell were recently selected as Georgia's Gatorade Runners of the Year. Grace had an amazing race at Foot Locker Nationals in touch with the leaders the entire race and led the South Team to the top team finish placing 3rd overall in 17:37. She has already this 2012 Indoor season put the pedal down in the 3000 meters clocking a 10:04.19 at the Jimmy Carnes Indoor Yout Meet in Gainesville, Fla this past weekend.  Brickell really began to hit full stride at the GHSA XC State Championships when he blasted away with 900 meters left in the race in what was to be a pre-cursor to his Foot Locker performances as he placed 4th in 14:41 (perhaps the best time  ever for a Ga HS Boy at McAlpine) and followed that up in San Diego working his magic again in the latter part of the race finishing 8th in 15:24.2. And....these fine athletes are juniors so we get to see them for 3 more seasons of running. Congrats to both and best of luck this Outdoor season!

Todd Grasley and Jeff Adams are on-site in Gainesville for coverage of one of two Florida youth indoor meets this year. There are a lot of big names lined up this Sunday!

Carrollton senior Jonathan Jones will be the first to admit he doesn't spend as much time as he should in track and field. That's because Jones is also one of the top cornerback prospect in the nation. After announcing he will play both sports for Auburn University, he says he can now focus on his senior season as a hurdler.

As outdoor track & field in the state of Georgia inches closer by the day, it is time to give the site a fresh coat of paint and a new name. Since joining the MileSplit Network seven years ago, this site has grown ever stronger and provided an unprecedented level and depth of coverage to track & field and cross country in this state. We have decided to embrace it and leverage the strong national brand by renaming the site officially to MileSplit GA.

  Kell's Kendall Williams clears 5-10.75 at the Clemson Indoor  Image courtesy scrunners.com Athletes from the Metro area and beyond travelled to Clemson, SC this weekend and achieved 98 National Silver Elite standards dominating the competition. Kendall Williams of Kell HS stretched her legs out enroute to winning the HJ at 5-10.75 and hurdled away in the 55h to the win clocking a 7.93p and 7.90 (US #1 Time) in the finals. Link to 55 Hurdles Finals- Courtesy of sc.milesplit.com   http://sc.milesplit.com/videos?id=21558 

The schedule for Saturday has been Updated  http://ga.milesplit.com/files/ga/2012%20updated%20track%20clinic%20schedule.pdf  

   The Atlanta Track Club Foundation will be granting a $2,500 college scholarship to a Female Metro Atlanta HS Senior graduating in 2012. The scholarship is in memory of Patty Foell. Nominations can only be made by High School Coaches. You can make nominations for this scholarship through February 1, 2012 by emailing Elizabeth Unislawski at unislaw@atlantatrackclub.org or in writing to Elizabeth at the Atlanta Track Club Foundation, 3097 East Shadowlawn Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30305. If there are any questions, please call (404) 231-9064 x. 11.    Click on this link for complete info http://ga.milesplit.com/files/ga/pattyfoell-app2012.pdf

    The Atlanta Track Club Foundation will be granting a $2,500 college scholarship to a Female Metro Atlanta HS Senior graduating in 2012. The scholarship is in memory of Patty Foell. Nominations can only be made by High School Coaches. You can make nominations for this scholarship through February 1, 2012 by emailing Elizabeth Unislawski at unislaw@atlantatrackclub.org or in writing to Elizabeth at the Atlanta Track Club Foundation, 3097 East Shadowlawn Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30305. If there are any questions, please call (404) 231-9064 x. 11.    Click on this link for complete info http://ga.milesplit.com/files/ga/pattyfoell-app2012.pdf    

The Coaches Association in concert with The Atlanta Track Club announces the 2012 Track and Field Clinic to be hosted once again at Wesleyan School on Saturday January 14th. Jim Ryan will be speaking also!  Here is the link to the Schedule and Clinic Information  http://ga.milesplit.com/files/ga/2012%20track%20clinic%20schedule.pdf  

Cheserek held off a late charge by Zeinasellassie after a back and forth battle nearly the whole way.  Seidel was able to make a break with 300 to go after Finn led the race for close to 2.5 miles.  Great races all around from all the athletes!  (Photo by Don Rich)

      Josh Brickell and Grace Tinkey celebrate advancing to Foot Locker Nationals (image by Stephanie Tinkey)     Foot Locker Finalists Grace Tinkey of First Presbyterian Day and Josh Brickell of Peachtree Ridge are slated to blog about their Foot Locker National Finals experience on MileSplit.com  Aaron Rich from the National side will coordinate their blogs. Both are scheduled to leave Thursday and fly to San Diego. Grace (a junior) and now a 3 time consecutive Finalist will attempt to improve upon her 15th place finish and Josh (also a junior) will be testing out the Balboa Park course for the first time. Here is a direct link to the Foot Locker site  http://www.footlockercc.com/  The LIVE webcast will begin at noon EST. The Girls race begins at 12:15pm followed by the Boys race at 1pm (both EST)

Please see the list of athletes who have either confirmed with us or are already registered for Footlocker South. We will have the ATLANTA TRACK CLUB tent set up prior to the first race for the top 15 athletes to pick up their TEAM GEORGIA Nike jersey (This year it is navy). All GEORGIA athletes are encouraged to gather at the ATLANTA TRACK CLUB tent prior to the race. We will have someone at the tent at all times so everyone is welcome to leave their sweats, bags etc. together. We will also have some water and a few snacks however should anyone want to bring additional food items they will definitely be welcomed. Good luck to ALL athletes at FOOTLOCKER SOUTH!!!!   GO TEAM GEORGIA !!     

The Atlanta Track Club announces the Athletes chosen to represent Georgia at the Foot Locker South Regionals.

Grace Tinkey digs in the final 1000 meters enroute to a 17:59 and Girls Top Performance of the day. Class A had some of top runners in Georgia competing and these races were exciting. But, one runner left no doubts to her dominance of Girls XC in this meet as Grace Tinkey flat out just took off and torched the grass, wood chips, wind and road crossings. Tinkey split around a 5:35 at the Mile Marker as fans and runners alike watched her fly by all alone.... Cameron Thornton leads the chase pack at the Mile Marker enroute to 15:58 and State Title.

L to R Walton Girls, Sara Hardin, Kelsey Taylor and Avery Bussjager in the lead pack at the Mile mark  pic by gatfxc.com Walton's Girls proved they are the best in Georgia with an impressive defense of their 2010 title and Brookwood's boys just went out there and 'got er done' pounding the field.  Josh Brickell zoomed the final 900 meters enroute to the top Boys Performance of the day and Grace Tinkey was flawless in her 17:59 run earning her the top Girls Performance of the day and the Class A Individual title. (and the award for most bewildered looks on fan's faces) Like, wow look at that girl fly looks...

Class AAAAA State Meet Preview by Coach Ronnie Brown

Class AAAA State Meet Preview by Coach Matt King

Class AAA State Meet Preview by Coach Claude Spinks

AA Preview by Bruce Taylor

Class A Preview by Coach Geoffrey Walton

Great news for Collegiate XC in Georgia and legendary coach Tom Williams will again be heading up the program for the Women.

Some big moves in a few Classes and the majority of Teams did not run or ran their JV Squads....Let the Real Racing begin as 6-AAA and 1-AA competed today with results already posted.

Kathryn Foreman of Landmark Christian glides to the finish line enroute to the top Girls performance of the meet in 12:07    Image by Mr. Spock What a fantastic morning of racing and fun in Cochran it was on Saturday as almost 1000 runners toed the line and competed in the MS State Championships. Fans lined the course the final 800 meters and cheered for their favorite teams and individuals from the Elementary Mile Run thru the Small School girls race. The hosts led by Bleckley County HS Coach Shelley Cranford did a great job putting on a show that will keep schools coming back for more.  This is my favorite meet to cover because of its organization and the parents/fans support of all the runners!

Middle Schools are traveling from as far away as Rome, Tallulah Falls, Metro ATL, Augusta and Valdosta  building up to be another great meet this Saturday with many talented young athletes and some heavy hitter teams making the trek including Marist, Athens Christian, Holy Innocents, Woodward Academy, Woodland Euharle and Tift County. Racing begins at 8:30 with an Elememtary school Mile race.

Readum' and weep, some major movement this week. Class A stands pat.

Here is a preview for the competitive Clarke-Oconee Area Championships. Coach Tom Pee of Athens Academy breaks the race down in detail.

Here is a breakdown of the Nike-Fleet Feet Coach Wood Invitational hosted by Mill Creek HS. Coaches Andy Christie and Ronnie Brown of Chapel Hill collaborated on this nice pre-meet article! Some of the Best teams in Georgia will battle it out at Gainesville College on Saturday. Will anyone challenge Brookwood's boys.....

Location: Cobb County Corps Property 5690 Old Stilesboro Rd. Acworth, Ga 30101 Girls JV - 3:45 p.m. Boys JV - 4:30 p.m. Varsity Girls - 5:10 p.m. Varsity Boys - 5:50 p.m. Girls Preview: For the first time in a few years, the top teams from Cobb County will get to race without homecoming or other interruptions.  Harrison comes into the meet ranked #1 in the state and should be the clear favorite.  Walton will be without a couple of their top runners, but hope to do their best to defend their county title against the Hoyas.  Lassiter adds another top 10 in 5A and Allatoona is #1 in 3A, both should be fighting for a podium spot.  Individually, defending champion Marcie Merriman should be at the front with her hard charging tactics, however she'll have her hands full with Molly Schenck from Pope running great and some fast times run by Kaylee Isaacs of Harrison and Alexa Womack of Walton this season. Boys Preview: The Walton boys come in a clear favorite, ranked #2 in all-class and hope to gain their first county title in three years.  However, if the Raiders slip up there are some strong teams ready to take them down.  Pope is ranked #3 in 4A and #10 all-class after a great race at Westover, while a young Harrison team and a resurgent Marietta moving up the 5A rankings.  Individually, Patrick Fleming has the fastest times in the county this year, but should expect a challenge from the Walton trio of Brian Sullivan, Kenan Farmer, and RJ Torres.  Andrew Maritim of Kennesaw Mountain, Steven Summey of Kell, and Adel Yoonis of Wheeler should also be in the lead group around the Corps property. Expect some warm weather and even hotter competition on the course Saturday afternoon. Thanks, Travis Gower

There was movement in many Classes this week. Brookwood Boyz and Harrison Girlz still on top of All-Classes. Watch out for Hephzipah Boys in AAA as they had a great run at the WACO Invitational....

    Hunter Honeycutt has been the MAN for HS Cross Country and Distance events in Track and Field "South of the Border"  for the past 3 years. What many don't know is he excels at Triathlons and is ranked #4 among  Juniors in the USA. Hunter speaks about XC, Triathlons and competing in South Georgia. Hunter is also one of the favorites to win the overall Individual title at the 30th Annual Westover Invitational this Saturday.....

Official Week 6 Rankings had some movement in AAA and AA. Brookwood Boys have roped up All-Classes and Harrison Girls hold steadfast.

It was another great duel this Saurday at the Darlington CC Festival between county rivals as Jesse Baker of Darlington and Christopher Akins of Model fought it out the entire race with Baker once again emerging the victor with a very fast 16:15 compared to Akins 16:20. Just a bit less than 2 weeks ago at the Floyd County Championships on the Ridge Ferry course both went at it turning in 16:39 and 16:41 respectively. Ansley McDurmon of Darlington, who led the Girls squad to the Class A title last year won the Individual title in the Girls Varsity race with a strong time of  19:47 Kennesaw Mountain's Girls won the team title scoring 30 points placing 5 runners in the top 11 led by freshman Brady Young in 20:06 and junior Mary McPartlan in 20:16. Megan Gavin of North Cobb Christian (pictured above) obliterated the MS Girls course record by over :20 in winning the overall title in 12:14. In a tightly contested team race Holy Innocents squeeked out a narrow victory with 71 points over a surprising Model MS squad (73). The MS Boys Team title was won by Westminster led by brothers Derek and Erek Cox at 11:17 and 11:41. Frank Pittman of Sutton MS was the overall champ at 11:07.  all Images by Bruce Taylor-Fast Feet Timing/gatfxc.com

     30 teams will line it up Saturday morning at Clinton Nature Preserve for the 2011 Atlanta Classic.  The mostly single-loop 5,000 meter course will feature 3 hay bale jumps and an exciting 300 meter spectator-friendly finish.  2010 Champions Marist (girls) and St. Pius (boys) will both be back to defend their titles, although they’ll be challenged by the Classic’s strongest and deepest fields ever.

Brookwood Boys and harrison Girls remain atop the All-Class Rankings.

Josh Brickell leads a herd of Broncos at the Gwinnett Championships  Image by Miguel Velasquez Chloe Whitworth of Collins Hill charges home to the Individual Girls title. Image by Miguel Velasquez        Brookwood owns the Gwinnett County Championships as the Bronco Boys decimated a strong field scoring a measly 22 points with a 15:55 team average on a re-routed River Green course. Josh Brickell of Peachtree Ridge took the Individual title clocking a swift 15:30 but not without a challenge from Morgan Malanoski in 15:36. The Lady Broncs came out on top also with an equally impressive win scoring 46 points with a 19:38 team average time. Leading the winning effort was Caroline Kissell at 18:59. Chloe Whitworth raced to a win individually in 18:37 holding off Katherine Yost of Norcross (18:44) and Lauren Kelly of Peachtree Ridge (18:46).  

Here they are!  Not an easy week to rank with ACT/SAT. Many teams didn't run their A squads. 

Grace Tinkey posts an 17:45 at Wesleyan adding to her season of sub 18 performances Cross Country is now in full swing with many big meets now in the books and its time to look at a summary of this weekend's action.

  Morgan Malanoski kicks up the dust leading the Broncos to the top spot in the Boys All-Classes Rankings. Image by Stephanie Tinkey The Rankings Committee has the 1st Official Cross Country Rankings in the book. Brookwwod's Boys and Harrison"s Girls are atop the All Classes Spots. These rankings will be sent out to all the major media outlets in Georgia. Please encourage your local media outlets to publish them. Click the Header for the skinny.

The preseason rankings were released on August 24, 2011.

Above photo on the left, Henry W. Grady senior Zane Coburn; on the right, sophomore Alex Cameron from Dunwoody high school.

Grace Tinkey has been a force in Georgia cross country and track. She is a two time  Foot Locker National finalist and is one of the favorites this year to return back to San Diego and capture her 2nd GHSA State title this fall in cross country. MileSplit's Todd Grasley had a Q&A with Grace about her goals for this fall and her Foot Locker experience. 

Award-winning journalist Marc Bloom has been compiling high school cross-country rankings for more than 20 years. His most recent books are “God on the Starting Line” (Breakaway, 2004) and “Young Runners” (Simon & Schuster/Fireside, 2009).

Kell HS star Kendell Williams sets a new record in the Intermediate age Heptathlon in New Orleans at the AAU Junior Olympics image by Patty Morgan PennTrackXC.com http://www.milesplit.com/articles/70914-aau-junior-olympics-2-new-record-little-nr-in-400h-levin-nr-in-800

Todd Grasley interviews author Gary Cohen in the MileSplit Studio about the dangers of dehydration and how to keep yourself safe. They also discuss a "disorder" facing runners that Gary calls CDS, cumulative dehydration syndrome, that can have a great impact on your ability to train at a high level.

Here is the summary of a series of Summer articles on benchmarking....

Parkview's Alec Klassen(3rd at Nike XC SE Regional- 15:19), began competing in Cross Country in 2008 as a Sophomore at Berry with an 18:44 Here is the latest article on "benchmarking" titled "Benchmarking Sophomore Recruiting"

Bill Bowerman was a great developer of talent as seen w/ Steve Prefontaine in a rare pic(courtesy UofO library) Article #2 of a series on Benchmarking by Tom Land. This article deals specifically w/ benchmarking runner development.

  What should you do if you are a new xc coach and want to win the state championship this year?   Chances are that boat sailed three years ago when your predecessor failed to attract enough freshmen onto the team.   Without exception, the 2010 championship teams had as large or larger incoming freshman class (in ’07) than any other team in their classification.

Click on the Header above for the newest additions to the All-Time "Top 10" Track & Field Records compiled by Collins Hill Coach Andrew Hudson.

      *These are the qualifications for The Track/Cross Country Coaches of Georgia (State Organization founded in 1995 by Tomy Sitton with the support of the GACA and The Atlanta Track Club) 3 Categories: Athlete Athlete must have been out of high school a minimum of 5 years. Athletes must be nominated by their coaches. (Consideration of high school and collegiate/post collegiate accomplishments) Send highlights from high school and collegiate and beyond for consideration by the Hall of Fame Committee. Coach Coaches at or near retirement that have contributed to the sport of Track and Cross Country in the state of Georgia. Coaches can be youth, high school or at the college level for consideration. Special Recognition Individuals that have promoted and contributed to the sport of Cross Country and Track in the State of Georgia. Here is a list of those that have been inducted.(Click on Main Header)  We welcome nominations. Inductees are honored at the Annual Fall and Spring ATC All-Metro Banquets. Middle Distance and Distance runners are often recognized at the Fall Banquet. The Inductees receive a Hall of Fame Plaque and a Hall of Fame Ring. Also, the Inductees have their name, school(s) and year inducted on a large plaque. We appreciate all that the Atlanta Track Club does in allowing our state organization to recognize The Hall of Fame Inductees. The organization also oversees  GATFXC.Com that Bruce Taylor does such a great job as the webmaster. Nominations: Send to: tomasasitton@bellsouth.net Nominations will be submitted for consideration to the Hall of Fame Committee (The Track/Cross Country Coaches of Georgia).   *In looking at the list, you will notice many of these athletes went on to excell at the Elite level. Also, the coaches and special recognition Inductees have done so much for our sport in Georgia. Please be mindful that the nominees have to be nominated and their bios sent to the committee for consideration. Thus, we know there are a number of individuals that need to be nominated so we can recognize the individuals!!! Tomy Sitton Founder/Executive Director (The Track/Cross Country Coaches of Georgia) USATF Men's LDR Executive Committee

Westlake's Track program has 9 Athletes sign Letters of Intent.... Westlake Track & Field Signees: Front Row (L to R) Shaquavia Porter (SLU), Yvens Resilard (Fort Valley), Kinsley Lawson (Georgia Southern ), Ashley Johnson (Troy State), Shaquille Winn-King (Texas Southern), Jamal Broughton (Alcorn State), Jonquill Christopher (Texas Southern) Back Row (L to R) Coach Johnson, Coach Cage, Caoch Wilson, Coach Bryant not pictured Cameron Carter (Texas Southern), Aminah Blount (University of Kentucky) Tanickia Johnson of Ware County HS signs w/ Fort Valley State to compete in Track and Field. Parents: Pastor Rod Swinson and Wife. L-R Standing Coach Alvin Nelson, Head Girls Coach Alesia Gibson and Ath Dir. David Shields. Chavonta Roberts of South Cobb signs w/ Savannah State. Bottom row: Mother Priscilla Roberts, Chavonta Roberts; Coach Kenneth Burchette White County athletes DJ Rogers and Brandon Ward sign with Emmanuel College. In the picture from the left back are Coach Jake Cantrell head boys coach at WCHS and  Coach Jose Larios head coach at Emmanuel. Front Row is DJ Rogers and Brandon Ward. Raven Thomas of Statesboro HS signs w/ Bethune-Cookman. Ricky Ellison (father) (l), Raven Thomas (athlete) (c), Patrice Thomas-Ellison (mother) (r) Shaquille Walker of Richmond Hill signs w/ Brigham Young University Ayana Walker signs w/ Shorter. Front Row: Jo Ann Shumake, Pam Luke, Ayana Walker, Leroy Luke Back Row: Coach Chuck Sanders, Coach Charley Waters, A.D. Mark Whitt, Principal Dr. Joseph Kirkland   Shaniqua Brown of Maynard Jackson signs a w/  Benedict College in Columbia,SC Zandra Lake signs w/ Shorter University. Front Row: Zandra Lake, Lotice Reed Back Row: Coach Chuck Sanders, Coach Charley Waters, A.D. Mark Whitt, Principal Dr. Joseph Kirkland Robert Lewis III of West Forsyth has signed with TCU for the 2012 Track and Field season.  Robert was an outstanding track and field as well as football athlete at West Forsyth for four years.This season along with his Coach Rick Zacholski, Robert pushed himself to new heights in that event.  It culminated with a runner-up finish at the state meet with a  time of 48.14 seconds. Pictured: (left to right) Coach Clayton Tillery, Coach Rick Zacholski, Coach Robert Fuller, Robert Lewis III, Robert Lewis Jr. (father), Coach Frank Hepler, and AD Dennis Stromie Sidney Brown of Maynard Jackson signs a scholarship to Southern University in Baton Rouge, Lousiana.   Carrollton High School track standout Jade Bentley has accepted a scholarship to Savannah State. Seated with Jade at her signing are, from left, Mary Crowder, great-grandmother; Kim Wilson, mother; Jade; Erica Wilson, mother; and Cayden Foster, sister. Standing are David Brooks, CHS athletic director; Larry Turner, Carrollton Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department athletic coordinator and youth track coach; Gwen Engram, CHS girls head track coach; and Dr. Mark Albertus, CHS principal.       Morgan Snow of SW DeKalb signs w/ the Texas Longhorns. Justin Weaver of Pickens signs to run cross country and track at Georgia Tech. Justin is flanked by his parents, Marylyn and Scott Weaver. Also pictured are (center row, left to right) maternal grandparents Gundi and Rusty Lane, sister Alyssa Weaver, and (back row) PHS track coaches Jesse Scott, Ray Langley, and Adam Wharton, Community Distance Coach Robin Dunn, and PHS principal Chris Williams.

5A-- MLK literally just ran away with this one on Saturday. Speed kills,and MLK used theirs to thrash their 5A challengers. Felecia Brown was a catalyst as well as Jada Martin with both Ladies propelling the Lady Lions to a decisive win. 4A-- Southwest DeKalb is back in the driver's seat again. Too much talent and good coaching are a lethal combo and the Lady Panthers bring it every year. The triad of Morgan Snow, Kenya Scott and Greciana Cooper put this one away very early as SW DeKalb poured it on scoring 68 points for a 36 point margin of victory.   3A-- Monroe Albany does it again taking advantage on their home mondo. St.Pius X piled the points on early amassing 53 at Friday's close, but it was not enough as Monroe-Albany's speed was overwhelming as the Lady Tornadoes used the home crowd's energy, driving them to yet another well deserved State title. 2A-- Decatur made a huge comeback on Saturday clinching the title in the final event. Lately AA has been the most closely contested Class the past 4 years being decided by only a couple of points and even coming down to the final event which happened again Saturday. Decatur's speed paid off as they ascended the leaderboard steadily climaxing in a huge win in the 4x400 relay passing Crawford County and holding off Therrell's challenge as they battled tooth and nail to get in it, but may have expended too much earlier.   1A-- Athens Christian rolls to their  2nd consecutive A Championship behind Destiny Jenkins. ACS looked like they had the goods from the first gun back in February and they were relentless adding 35 points Saturday and topping it off with a dominating performance in the 4x400 relay. Their scoring attack was a balance of technical Field Events, Distance, Hurdles and chipping in points. in a complete team effort.

Anna Bowles of Lakeside-Evans thrives in a rain storm on the way to a 10:44. Anna Bowles of Lakeside-Evans Alpharetta's Dylan Hassett rule the track on a night when a fast moving storm found Hugh Mills with sideways rain, Thunder and some Lightning....Destiny Jenkins of ACS(A), Olivia Pigg of North Oconee(AA) and Kristina DelPesche of Columbus(AAA) win the 1600 titles.       Some great Performances in the Field earlier including Athens Academy's Torie Owers who shattered the State Champion mark in the Discus at 154-08!!!  And set the new A mark in the Shot Put at 44-04.  MLK tied the 5A Record in the 4 x 100 at 46.50!!  Caroline Bond of Greater Atlanta Christian shattered the old Record in the AA Vault at 12-00!  Mimieux Land of Monroe-Albany (home cookin') ignited the partisan crowd with an amazing TRIPLE in the horizontal and vertical Jumps recording amazing marks of 19-2 (LJ), 40-1.50 (TJ) and 5-06 (HJ) scoring 30 points for the Lady Tornadoes. maybe the evening storm was just a harbinger of what's to come Saturday??. Tika Slay of Alexander leaped to a 4A LJ title in 18-8.50  in which 6 athletes had marks of better than 18-4!. Quintunya Chapman of Bradwell Institute won an intensley competitive 5A LJ at 18-11.25.  Ashley Johnson from Westlake was the Top Performer in the Shot Put with a huge toss of 47-3.50.. Kendell Williams of Kell was the Top Performer in the HJ at 5-08 and had nice workouts in both 4A Hurdles Prelims in 13.53 which is the fastest time in GS HS History!!  and 43.35. Can't wait to watch her blow away some records Saturday...

Elbert County Boys Coach, Donald Bolton reflects on the 2011 season, the State Title and his athletes.

Its going to be HOT, HUMID, GNAT Infested and Nasty as usual way down South in Albany GA and Thursday evening's distance races will provide  temporary endorphins for the Patrons, winning Athletes and Coaches! Albany Weather http://beta.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/USGA0009?dayNum=2  

These athletes are just a few that will electrify the crowd at Hugh Mills Stadium in Albany beginning Thursday. Kendell Williams of Kell may well be the best female HS athlete in the United States! Kendell Williams Glides over the Hurdles at the Coaches' Invite.  Image courtesy of mjd.online

Wanliss and Thornton both go sub 1:50 in a photo finish!  Image courtesy of Pinion Photography!! Every year we think that the previous year is as good as it gets but it just gets better every year.....The smoke has cleared, awards given out as another season of Boys Track has drawn to a close with quite a bang This is a brief summary of Saturday Finals (work in progress) of the Georgia Olympics....Never before has anyone broken 1:50.00 in the 800 Meters at State and O'Neal Wanliss and Cameron Thornton both did in Class A!  The single A 800m was a race for the ages.... Most of us on the hill expected Wanliss to want the first lap a little slower because he had just blown away the field in the 400. He made us look stupid by opening with a 52!  When Thornton pulled up along side with 300m to go we all thought Wanliss would have to give way. Again, he proved us wrong. They ran stride for stride until the finish. Everyone watched them finish so when we all turned to the clock their was an audible gasp as we saw 1:49.   contributions by Claude Spinks, Walter Pinion and Adam Hearn

Cody Barger Proves He is THE "King of Distance" this Season w/ a sterling 9:07.12.    A Very Classy Move by a Younger Brother....as Josiah Jenkins of  ACS displays real Sportsmanship to his older brother Joshua!

Every one of these races could be barnburners that will even wakeup the Sprinters!! Zach Sims and Brendan Hoban will go once again into the Breach in the 1600 along with old pal Cody Barger.

Another year of great Field competition is sure to unfold Thursday. here is a brief summary of perhaps the most intense....

     An intense Nikita Kirilov will be out to break the State Record Thursday!   photo by Scott Lueck                                 WHO TO WATCH AT THE GEORGIA OLYMPICS! Yes everyone, the fallout from an incredibly competitive round of Region meets is done with the survivors and winners making final preparations for the annual trek to Jefferson to compete on the biggest stage at The Georgia Olympics. This small sleepy town will awaken once again as the best male athletes from around the state converge to duke it out in picturesque Memorial Stadium on Bryan Keene Track. As always the meet staff and their legion of friendly volunteers help put on an exciting show ending in climatic fashion on Saturday with team titles at stake in the adrenaline pumping 4 x 400 relay!   Who are the team favorites, the can't miss Individuals, the most hotly contested events, will the crowds again stand in reverse waterfall fashion blocking everone's view of the Sprints even after being requested multiple times to stay seated so everyone can actually see the races? Had to admit though, everyone in the pressbox even stood as Deron Cherry blazed the mondo 3 years ago in the 100 Meters. My goodness, was it really that long ago....                Athletes to Look for on the Field and Track Quenshaun Watson- Clarke Central- Quenshaun is a double threat to win the 100 and 200 meter titles in 4A with prs of 10.52 and 21.28. He also anchors Clarke's speedy 4 x 100 squad 41.80. Broderick Snoddy of Carrollton- Broderick is the defending 3A Champ in the 100 and 200 and has prs this season of 10.45 and a wind-aided 21.37. Snoddy also anchors the Trojans blazing 4 x 100 squad at 41.71. Jonathan Jones of Carrollton- Jonathan has the top 110 Hurdles time in all Classes at 13.75 and the #2 time in the 300 Hurdles at 38.19. Nikita Kirilov of St.Pius- Nikita became the best Vaulter in Georgia HS history earlier in the season at the Coaches Invitational clearing 17-2 at his future playground George Griffin Stadium. Ray Drew of Thomas County-  Ray has made phenomenal strides this season in his specialty the Discus. Last week at the 1-AAAA Region meet he eclipsed the 200 barrier with a toss of 201-2 making him #2 in the USA. He also is a top ranked Defensive End heading to UGA in the Fall. Wade Voyles of Chapel Hill- Wade has the top 1600 time in all Classes this Spring with a 4:17.55 at the Florida Relays. Cody Barger of North Hall- Cody made a big splash at the Ga Olympics back in 2009 with a surprising win in the 3200 meters. He has ran like a fine tuned machine in 2011 with an awesome 9:10 in the 3200 and 4:22 in the 1600. Brendan Hoban of St. Pius- Brendan will be battling it out with Barger in the 3200 meters for the Gold as he has the #2 time all Classes with 9:14.98c. Kenneth Durden of Lowndes County- Kenneth has the top mark all Classes in the Triple Jump at 50-0 achieved at the Larry Clark Invitational down in Bainbridge. He also is a superb Hurdler at 14.71 and 39.52. Cameron Thornton of Whitefield- Cameron is a multi-talented athlete with the top time all Classes in the 800 meters at 1:52.53. He is also a favorite to win the 1A 1600 with a pr of 4:24.37 Shaquille Walker of Richmond Hill- Shaquille electrified the crowd at the Georgia Olympics winning the 3A 800 meters title in 1:51.71. This season his pr is 1:52.71.

Here are some of the most recent signing pics of our Georgia athletes.. JHS Track Star Jasmine Smith has decided to accept a full scholarship from UGA to compete for the Dawgs'. She was the Georgia 2010 AAA State Champion in both the 100 meter and 200 meter dash. Smith is the daughter of Linda Sims and Michael Smith. Cory Cown of Grayson High School signs with Shorter University for XC and Track. Cory is pictured with his Mom, Dad, sister, and brother. Brett Carter of Woodstock High School has officially signed with Kennesaw State University to run cross country and track. Seated with Brett are his parents Kathy and Ed Carter. Standing from left to right are Chuck Wilson, Athletic Director; Kirk Scharich, Head Cross Country and Track Coach; and Bill Sebring, Woodstock High School Principal. Shatora Glasper signs with Columbus State Track and Field.. In the picture from l to r: mother- Lakisha Hall; Talasha; Father- Travis Hall; and brother--Michael Hall. Victoria Young of Lumpkin County High school  signs w/ Emmanuel College Shatoria Butler of Gainesville HS signs w/ Chattahoochee Tech. from l to r is her grandmother Claudia Butler, Shatora, and mother  Shemilia Thompson.           Nathan Dobbs of Grayson signs w/ Troy University Indiah Bell of Parkview HS signs w/ Savannah State. Pictured Left to Right (Mora Ottinott, Gwinnett Titans; Indiah Bell; Latysha Cameron, mother; Matt Henson, Head Coach-Parkview) Samuel Johnson of Eastside HS signs w/ Troy University to compete in the Decathlon and Pole Vault    Daisy Helm of Starrs Mill HS signs with Shorter College Kory Gipson of Woodland-Stockbridge signs w/ Chattahoochee Tech.    

Over 860 of the state's top middle school track and field competitors are heading to Lilburn, Ga. for the 2011 Georgia MS Track & Field Championships, April 29- April 30 in the “Big Orange Jungle” on the campus of Parkview High School.

Coach Moses Interviews 4 Top MS Athletes before the Championship being held at Parkview's "Big Orange Jungle"     Kawon Bryant of Malcom Bridge MS is "The Total Package".   Aliyah Abrams is the Reigning MS Champion in the 200 and 400 Meters   Jasmir Spearman is prepared to blaze the Track this Saturday! Click on Header for Interview! Middle School XC State Champ Alex Murfee has his eyes on a Track Title (Click on Header for Interview)

COLUMBIA -- O'Neal Wanliss showed up late to the track meet. He was late to award podium after his race.

5A Girls Power Rankings thru 4-7.

5A Boys Power Rankings thru 4-7.

4A Girls Power rankings thru 4-7.

4A Boys Power Rankings thru 4-7.

3A Girls Power Rankings thru 4-7

3A Boys Power Rankings thru 4-7.

2A Girls Power rankings thru 4-7.

2A Boys Power Rankings thru 4-7.

1A Girls Power Rankings thru 4-7.

1A Boys Power Rankings as of  4-7-2011

Gerlisa Shipman Woodland High School, Stockbridge/Chowan University Cross Country  Picture L-R(Debra Burden(mother), Gerlisa Shipman(signee), Gerald Shipman(father) Back Row-Michael Burden(step-father), Coach Harris, Coach Gardner Alicia Whittle signing with Kennesaw State University for Track.  Specialty is sprinting. Pictured:  (back row l to r:)  Vaughn Williams and Jean Williams (E-1 Track Club Coaches), Michelle Berry (Guidance Counselor), Greg Forlaw (Athletic Director, Harvester Christian Academy)  (front row l to r:)  Shari Whittle (Mother), Alicia Whittle, Jim Whittle (Father) Dayani Diaz (Allatoona High, Acworth, Ga. -- track and field/cross country) Kimberly Thomas (Center in pink) signs track scholarship to Georgia Southern. Returning sophomore Matthew Zietsma (track and field/cross country) Allen Nobles (Victory Christian, Charlotte, N.C. -- track and field only) Incoming freshman Darreon Andrews (Dublin High, Dublin, Ga. -- track and field only) Returning sophomore Donovan Varner (track and field/cross country) Gabby Lesieur from Greenbrier signed with Presbyterian College last week

We're baaaaaaack!!  And after looking at the changes to the stadium, better than ever.  It has been a long two years but worth the wait.  We all have heard the statement, "show me the money", look around and you will see it.  Richland District Two has made Harry Parone Stadium nicer than most small college stadiums. 

The 2011 version of the mighty Gwinnett County Track and Field Championships hosted by Mill Creek HS promises to be a great meet. Coach Joe Carter gives a preview of what's to come and the competition with big bragging rights on the line with powerhouses such as Brookwood, Parkview, Mill Creek and Collins Hill duking it over 2 days. Below are links to Day 1 and Day 2 Events: ga.milesplit.com/files/ga/gwinnett_county_meet_program_session_one.pdf ga.milesplit.com/files/ga/gwinnett_county_meet_program_session_two.pdf  

 Each week Milesplit will highlight several athletes from across the country who demonstate outstanding performances in track and field.  Waverly Neer (Culver Academies, IN) and Nikita Kirrlov  (St. Pius X, GA) are our final 2 of the six in the spotlight this week.   (Photo above left - Don Rich, PennTrackXC.com)  Photo above right - (Tim Loreman, AlabamaRunners.com)

Displayed below are the most recent Signing Pics from the Georgia XC and Track Community! Cornelius Savage of Mceachern high school signing day to Georgetown University (Cornelius,mother, father, sister, aunt) Back row from left to right: Kirk Miller - Assistant XC / Track & Field Coach, Abe Ghebru - Former XC / Track & Field Coach, Father Mark Hoban, Mother Karen Hoban & Ryan McClay - Head Cross Country and Track & Field Distance Coordinator Chapel Hill distance runner Wade Voyles signs a cross country scholarship to attend University of Georgia.  With Voyles at his signing are seated, Mother Jennie and Father Dwight.  Standing, from left, CHHS coach Rachell Hill, CHHS coach Allison Krichko, CHHS head coach Kelly Williams, CHHS coach Zac Cooper, and CHHS athletics director Jennifer Baggett. Runner and Junior Olympian O'Neal Wanliss signed last month with UNC-Chapel Hill. I have signing photos for him. More at the office: peggy.shaw@hies.org   Can you use? This one is with parents and other HIES students. Parents are Dean and Ena Wanliss.  

MLK Girls come out Smokin' thru Week 4!

Brookwood Leads the pack as of 3/21 in the Boys Rankings.

  The 2011 Coaches Invitational is going to be a great meet, including a full Collegiate meet featuring UGA, Tech and kennesaw State. Coach Cathi Monk previews the HS Girls and Boys action. Delta Timing will have Live Results on their website.

Performance List Schedule of Events    

NEW YORK – It is fact that Shelby Ashe is the best in the country in the weight throw. She’s the best ever.

Shelby Ashe (GA) won the girls weight throw and improved her National Record mark to 68-02.50! Ajee Wilson & Zavon Watkins set US#6 A-T 800's in 2:06.17 and 1:50.84.  Medgar Evers set a US#6 A-T 4x4 in 3:42.67.   Aisling Cuffe went US#2 All-Time with a 9:56.85 in the 2 Mile.

Ben Glauser of Athens Academy signs with Harvard University. Front: Parents Edward and Ann Glauser with Ben Back L to R: Bob Chambers, Headmaster; Richard Patterson, Throws Coach, Tom Pee Head Track Coach. Luis Navarro of Kennesaw Mountain HS signs to run with Nationally Ranked, Darton College. Taylor Harrington of Bleckley County signs a letter of commitment with Valdosta State University to run XC.  Taylor has been region 3AA cross country champion for two years in a row, as well as region champion in the 1600 and 3200 meters. Pictured(left to right):  Gloria Harrington, Taylor Harrington, Mac Harrington. (Back row) Betty Harrington and Coach Shelly Cranford. Flowery Branch Track Star Erika Rucker signs w/ South Carolina and Distance Specialist Maurice Riden signs w/ Mars Hill U. Anna Bowles signs with the UGA DAWGS! Pictured in front row : Mother Connie Bowles, Anna Bowles, Father Ken Bowles  Back row Assistant CC coach Jennifer Bieller, Head CC coach Jerry Meitin       Joshua Jenkins of Athens Christian School, signs with Kennesaw State! Caroline Evans from Starr's Mill High School signing with United States Naval Academy.  She will be pole vaulting. Peter Rhodes signs with Brown to compete in the Decathlon and Parker Whitlock signs w/ Kennesaw State to run XC and Track Josh Pendley of West Hall HS signs w/ the Mercer University-Macon Bears to run XC.

  A great first weekend of HS Outdoor Track will begin with 4 large meets including "The Big Orange Relays" at Parkview, The Statesboro Invitational, The Panther 8 Way at Starr's Mill and a nice small school meet at Landmark Christian!

ATLANTA, GA - February 14, 2011 The USATF Georgia Association Track & Field Hall of Fame Committee is seeking nominations from its Georgia members and the general public for the inaugural USATF Georgia Association Hall of Fame Class of 2011. Nomination forms can be emailed to gahof@usatfga.org in order to be considered

These 1A rankings were calculated by scoring the rankings as a meet. We took the individual rankings  and scored them as a normal meet: 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1. Relays are not calculated due to the program not recognizing what relay team members have graduated.  Athletes whose graduation years are unknown were left out of the list.

These 2A rankings were calculated by scoring the rankings as a meet. We scored 10 deep for individuals. For example,  individuals 1st place received 10 points for their team, on down to 1 point for 10th place. Relays are not calculated due to the program not recognizing what relay team members have graduated.  Athletes whose graduation years are unknown were left out of the list

These 3A rankings were calculated by scoring the rankings as a meet. We scored 10 deep for individuals. For example,  individuals 1st place received 10 points for their team, on down to 1 point for 10th place. Relays are not calculated due to the program not recognizing what relay team members have graduated.  Athletes whose graduation years are unknown were left out of the list. ( I urge Team Admins/Coaches go to your Team Page and add grad dates for each athlete)

These 4A rankings were calculated by scoring the rankings as a meet. We scored 10 deep for individuals. For example, for individuals 1st place received 10 points for their team, on down to 1 point for 10th place.  Athletes whose graduation years are unknown were left out of the list.Relays are not calculated due to the program not recognizing what relay team members have graduated.  Athletes whose graduation years are unknown were left out of the list.

These 5A rankings were calculated by scoring the rankings as a meet. We scored 10 deep for individuals. For example, for individuals 1st place received 10 points for their team, on down to 1 point for 10th place. Relays are not calculated due to the program not recognizing what relay team members have graduated.  Athletes whose graduation years are unknown were left out of the list.

Ben Glauser of Throw1deep and Athens Academy poses in front of the Performance Indicator after his 70-04 bomb at KTC Indoor. Photo Courtesy of Jasen Parks of http://tn.milesplit.com       Athens Academy’s Ben Glauser surprised a lot of people in the track world last season.  He came from nowhere to win the Georgia State meet in class A in both the shot and discus.  He then placed 5th at New Balance Outdoor Nationals in the Shot Put.  He went on the win the USATF Outdoor Age Group Nationals in the Shot Put and ended the year ranked 5th in the World by the IAAF for 17 year old throwers.        Ben started this year off with many lofty goals.  He has three goals for the Indoor season,  to win Indoor High School Nationals in two events (the Weight Throw and the Shot Put), and qualify for USA Indoor Open Nationals.    Saturday he achieved one of his lofty goals....  In the College/Open Niswonger Invitational in Johnson City, TN Ben threw 60’ 1 ¼ “ with the 16LB shot  to make the qualifying mark for the Open USA National meet.             About an hour after Ben made the qualifying mark with the 16Lb shot, he competed in the high school shot and threw 70’ 4”.   That mark is the farthest throw by any Georgia athlete ever and #6 all –time Indoors for a USA high school athlete.   The most surprising thing about this mark is that Ben has not trained for the 12Lb shot this season.   He has been training for the heavier 16 Lb shot since August.   Glauser  said “ I knew I could hit over 70’ with the 12 indoors, but I did not think we would see it this soon.”    “I was a little tired after throwing the 16LB shot and I was hoping for 68’ with the 12Lber.”    When asked if this big throw changes any of his goals Ben replied “I still have the same goals. Even with the 70’ throw I am still not the top US thrower this season.   I know I will have to stay focused and work hard all the way through Indoor Nationals.”   Great attitude and great job Ben!      (contributions by Coach Judge)