Westlake track athletes from the Class of 2012 who signed college track scholarships today, Tuesday, May 15, at a ceremony at the school.Left to right, they are: Westlake girls head coach Jason Cage, Jahi Gilkey (Grambling University), Roderick Bolden (Wingate University), Jordan Fordham (Southern University), Devin Anderson (Virginia Union University - football), Keanu Hall (Southern University), Camryn Coleman (Georgia Southern University), Thomas Miller (South Carolina State University), Westlake boys head coach Robert Wilson. Here are some of the latest signings accompanied by pics and a few attached briefs....Adding more Thursday.  Click on the article header for more signing announcements...

Coffee's Tyreek Hill Poses after his Incredible 20.94!! Image by Bruce Taylor ga.milesplit.com For the first time in the history of the Georgia Olympics the elusive 21 mark was shattered by Coffee County's amazing senior Tyreek Hill. Watching the real time scoreboard next to the Track, the crowd oohed, aahed, and jumped up in unison as Hill neared the finish line, himself watching the clock also as he celebrated in a trademark "flying" posture as he crossed the finish line. Hill also easily won the 100 meters clocking a swift 10.44 and won the LJ THursday in 23-11.5. He propelled Coffee to an amazing 2nd place team finish at 34 points with a little help from his friends down south in Douglas. Team Champs crowned were Athens Christian in A, though Darlington and Wesleyan made valiant runs this day at the Eagles. Putnam County sealed the AA title behind Jabrelle Crawford as they won the 4x400 relay surpassing Elbert County. Carrollton just had too much Jonathan Jones as he also scored 30 individual points passing Field Event loaded Westover for good in the 200 meters. Kell capitalized on their 2 stars who have female siblings that are also great Track athletes led by Jordan Chambers in the Field and sealing the title in the 300 hurdles was Devon Williams. Brookwood hung on for dear life after KIsean Smith placed 2nd in the 800 meters with help in the 4x400 relay trainwreck at the finish line. Some other incredible times were ran by Sprayberry's Michael Newton as he was too fast and strong in the 400 meters clocking a 46.62 and ran a sick anchor leg in the 4x400 relay taking the baton 15 meters behind leader Mays and jetted Sprayberry into sole possession of 2nd place. Jordan Moore of MLK closed out an outstanding HS career blowing away everyone in the 110 hurdles clocking a sweet 13.45  Each 800 meter race was exciting with every class running faster and faster until Wheeler's Adel Yoonis had the race of the day crossing the line in 1:52. 06 The 4x400 relays were very competitive in each class and became outright physical and personal in the AAAA race as 4 teams were Dq'd and the baton was knocked loose from Luella within 5 meters of the finish line costing them perhaps a team title tie with Brookwood in AAAAA...But Stone Mountain in AAA just blew away everyone clocking a 3:15.28.

East Jackson's Cale Pirtle let it all hang out coming back to win the AA 3200 at the finish line! Great Races tonight in every Class. Including some awesome duels the last laps of each race. 2012 Champs are: A- Bradley Gossett  of Wesleyan AA- Cale Pirtle of East Jackson AAA- Luis Gonzalez of North Hall AAAA- Sid Vaughn of Lakeside-Evans AAAAA- Josh Brickell of Peachtree Ridge click article header for more....

James Wenk of Harrison focuses on his next bar at 16' Day 1 Recap from Jefferson ACS, Westover put up big numbers to lead their Classes... 1600m races are worth the price of admission. Zane Coburn of Grady has top 1600m time at 4:15 and change. Adel Yoonis of Wheeler runs a masterful race taking the 5A 1600m. Dontrevious Ousley of Westover lets it all out in AAA Discus slinging that UFO 192-4. Jamario Calhoun of Cedar Shoals doubles in the 4A horizontals featuring a 49-9 in the TJ.  

Meet Programs (Updated 5/9 6:15pm) Class A Boys State Meet Program Class AA Boys State Meet Program Class AAA Boys State Meet Program Class AAAA Boys State Meet Program Class AAAAA Boys State Meet Program Wheelchair Division - Boys State Meet Program Entry and Performance Lists Class A Boys Entry List (Updated 5/8) Class A Boys Performance List (Updated 5/8) Class AA Boys Entry List (Updated 5/8) Class AA Boys Performance List (Updated 5/8) Class AAA Boys Entry List (Updated 5/8) Class AAA Boys Performance List (Updated 5/8) Class AAAA Boys Entry List Class AAAA Boys Performance List Class AAAAA Boys Entry List (Updated 5/8) Class AAAAA Boys Performance List (Updated 5/8) Wheelchair Boys Entry List Wheelchair Boys Performance List

Meet Previews of the AAAAA, AAAA, AAA, AA, A  Boys Championships

courtesy of XC Nation Grace Tinkey Answers Questions....Four-time Georgia State XC Champion, Three-time Foot Locker Finalist, Featured in Sports Illustrated Faces in the Crowd, a Multi-time Gatorade XC Runner of the Year for Georgia and National All-American. Grace Tinkey speaks to the XC Nation. After finishing 6th at the 2011 Foot Locker National Championships the First Presbyterian Day School junior has sights set on becoming the first-ever 5-time State cross country champion in US history.....

Walton's Tayla Carter crossed the finish line in 11.63 for the top 100m performance of the day Photo by Pinion Photography Athens Christian Makes it a 3-Peat, Walton outlasts MLK in 5A by 1 Point, Redan Sprints and Hurdles away from SW DeKalb in 4A, GAC blows away everyone in AA scoring in just the sprints and relays and Monroe Albany is too deep again adding another title to their padded resume.

Molly Schenck leads the 4A 3200 early as l-r: Sarah Bowles, Alex Cameron and Allie Buchalski stalk close behind/ Image by Pinion Photography Here are some huge highlights thus far: State RECORDS broken: Kendall Williams 13.39 in the AAAA 100h Prelims and she was flawless Kendell Williams AAAA Long Jump 20-08.50 MLK 4x100 Relay 45.69 Torie Owers Athens Academy 46-08.50 A Shot Put Sydney Rodkey North Oconee 12-01.00 AA Vault (briefly held the all-class record) Megan Clark Columbus 12-02 AAA Pole Vault (new all-time State meet record) Ashley Ivey Washington County AAA Triple Jump 44-07.50 Anasteria Terrell Howard AAA Triple Jump 44-04.50 Holly Ebbets Lee County AAAA Pole Vault 11-06 Anna Dunn Creekview AAAA Pole Vault 11-06 Going into Saturday: A- Wesleyan has a huge lead over ACS who has alot of points out on the track and with a good performance can pass Wesleyan. AA-Westminster and Blessed Trinity did well in the Field and distance races , however, will it be enough to hold off GAC, Decatur and SE Bulloch although Fletcher is a shoe in to take the 800m over a game Bailey Willet of BT. AAA- Monroe Albany is in good position to hold off everyone else barring their baton drop in the 4x100 prelims 15 meters before the finish line... AAAA- SW DeKalb is right where they want to be going into Saturday. AAAAA- Is wide open, Brookwood did well in the distance events as did kennesaw in the Field, but MLK and Walton are primed to put up big points Saturday. Distance Finals- A 1600- Victoria Coppage pounded the track taking it out early and was just too strong for ACS's Destiny Jenkins turning in a11:00 5:02 which bests Grace Tinkey's pr! A 3200- Coppage had to make runningmate Grace Tinkey (injured) proud as she took it and and maintained a steady gap over Landmark's Lindy Long for an impressive victory and time in 11:08! AA 1600- Sahara Fletcher's 400m split was 1:07 breaking 14 other runners and she never looked back cruising to the win in 5:05.Anna Gandolpho was the sole runner who tracked her the entire race from about 40-50 meters back finishing in 5:20. AA 3200- Anna Gandolpho breezed to victory in this race clocking a 11:35 followed by Westminster's Janine Dupree in 12:06 who held of Gandolpho's runningmate for 2nd (Kate Beechum of BT in 12:08) AAA 1600- Kristina Delpesche of Columbus and Jessie Dotson of White County battled for 3 laps until Delpesche put the hammmer down the final 300m for the win in 5:12, Dotson hung in there though for 2nd in 5:16. AAA 3200- It was a classic duel as headlined between Eagle's Landing frosh Gabby Roth and senior Jessie Dotson of White County for 6 laps but Roth's young legs were the key as she mad e a slight move and held her ground the final few laps for the win in 11:30 as Dotson took second in 11:36. AAAA 1600- This was a beautiful race defining what the sectionals were all about resembling a collegiate race until Alex Cameron of Dunwoody made her move separating from the pack looking very strong and had more footspeed the final 300 meters enroute to victory in 5:03 with Buchalski of John's Creek placing 2nd in 5:09. AAAA 3200- Allie Buchalksi built a lead of 15-20 meters going into the bell lap but frosh Morgan Ilse of Marist pushed the race to the brink down the stretch in a true photo finish with Buchalski out leaning her in 11:00.06 for a .31 margin of victory. this was a great race.... AAAAA 1600- Brookwood ran this race to perfection, as if the maestro conducted a torrid symphony to a perfect ending...Kissell and Shanks bided their time behind the leaders hanging in there and then both girls made big moves the final lap to go 1,2 as Caroline Kissell took the win in 5:00 with teamaate Shanks in 5:02. AAAAA 3200- Another great tight race as for thwe first 5 laps 5 girls were tightly bunched together, but Lassiter's Marcie Merriman, desevedly so, put it together making a move creating some separation and held off rachel Thorne of Alpharetta for the win in 10:51 to Thorne's 10:54. I would like to make an editorial comment about the staff in Albany...These people put on a great meet. Field Events are Field Events and sometimes drag out, but man, they have never ran off the Track events as quickly as they did these past couple of days. My head my spinning trying to keep up. I can't say enough about Johnny Seabrooks,Gary Phillips, Harley Calhoun and Pam Hill. Their professionalism was impressive as well as the starters, volunteers, backup timers and lane inspectors. And of course, the PA announcing gives this meet a flavor like none other. Job well done to the Albany crew !!

    For all you making the trip to Albany this season, you are going to get a special treat thanks to the Sectional qualifiers as the best of the best will truly go at it for the first time in recent history barring a few unfortunate athletes/relay teams who were Dq'd of dnf. The distance races will resemble more of a college style race in the 800 and 1600 meter races and could it be that no one gets lapped in the 3200? I'm sure after Sectionals, many of the races including qualifying heats will come down to thousanths of seconds separating sprinters with all that 'new fangled Timing equipment' lol, (stealing a quote off the Discussion board) And lest we forget the atmosphere that the Girls State meet brings reminding us all we are definitely in the heart of South Georgia including hot crinkle fries fresh out of the vats....   5A Girls- http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/5a girls state preview 2012.pdf 4A Girls- http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/4a preview girls state.pdf 3A Girls- http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/3a girls preview.pdf 2A Girls- http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/2a girls state preview 2012.pdf 1A Girls- http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/1a preview girls state.pdf   Meet Programs http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/class a girls state meet program.pdf   AA- http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/class aa girls state meet program(revised).pdf   AAA- http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/class aaa girls state meet program.pdf   AAAA- http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/class aaaa girls state meet program.pdf   AAAAA- http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/class aaaaa girls state meet program.pdf

These are the Female Athletes of the Month including Region and Sectional performances. http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/athlete of the month april 2012-sec-reg.pdf   and...the TOP Male Sectional Athletes by Class  http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/male sectional athletes of the week.pdf

Sectional Meet Programs *corrected PV Start Times: Boys PV @ 12:00 noon and Girls PV @ 2:00 pm* http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/class a east sectional meet program.pdf http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/class a west sectional meet program.pdf http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/class aa east sectional meet programrevised.pdf http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/class aa west sectional meet program.pdf http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/class aaa east sectional meet program.pdf http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/class aaa west sectional meet program.pdf http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/class aaaa east sectional meet program.pdf http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/class aaaa west sectional meet program.pdf http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/class aaaaa east sectional meet program.pdf http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/class aaaaa west sectional meet program.pdf Click on article header for Performance Lists....

Click on the Article Header or link below for a Satellite Image of the meet area and points of interest for the Section 1A East meet http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/ugatrackarea.pdf

Here are the 'Male Athletes of the Week' for the period comprising the Region Championships. Athletes in Bold Print are specifically recognized for excellence in their range of Events and may be key in leading their teams to challenge for a top 4 Team Finish at the Georgia Olympics. Please click on the link for the list   http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/region week track athletes of the weekx.pdf

This is a mandatory read for any schools qualifying athletes to the Sectionals competition, the Sectional host. Please, click on the link and read, save or bookmark   http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/ghsa track and field sectional handbook.pdf

      Over 1000 of the state's top middle school track and field competitors are heading to Lilburn, Ga. for the 2012 Georgia Middle School Track & Field State Championships, April 20 - April 21 in the “Big Orange Jungle” on the campus of Parkview High School.         The Middle School Championships are a state wide competition which allows grades 6th – 8th entry into a maximum of 4 events ranging from the pole vault to the 4x800m relay. The Georgia MS Track & Field Championships are scored for team championships and individual honors are given to the top female and male performers on the track and in the field. The 2012 Championship meet will feature great competition from several of our top runners, jumpers, and throwers. The future of Georgia track and field is bright and will be shining this weekend!   http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/georgia middle school preview2012.pdf

Welcome to Track Chats 2012! We continue with multi-athlete Kendell Williams from Kell HS in Georgia.  Kendell recently opened her outdoor season with marks of 5-10 (HJ), 20-6 (LJ) and 13.64 (100H).  Check out her interview below as she tackles her season one meet and one result at a time!

Welcome to Track Chats 2012! We continue with sprinter Michael Newton from Sprayberry HS in Georgia.  Michael recently dipped under 47 outdoor for the first time in the 400m.  Watch out for him at the outdoor season progresses toward the New Balance Outdoor Nationals!

Kathryn Foreman of Landmark is the favorite to win the distance events with pr's of 5:13 and 11:22! The 2012 GA MS State Track Championships has the promise of being a major spectacle again as the future HS stars of tomorrow will lay it all on the line for their teams and personal glory. Here are a series of interviews on 5 MS athletes by Coach Kristan Moses featuring:  Kathryn Foreman, Carson Dingler, Max Warner, Mackenzie Dunmore and Marielle Lewis......

Dee Dee Trotter has had a wonderful career. She has notched national and world championships, a professional contract, and an Olympic gold medal as part of the 2004 4x400 Team USA. Since then she has struggled with injuries and overcome obsticles, but off the track she's had an amazing impact through her foundation "Test Me I'm Clean" whose mission is to stamp out the epidemic of performance enhancing drugs.

Megan Dixon of Pickens County signs w/ Brenau University Back Row (From left to right): A.D. Kyle Rasco, Coach Ray Langley, Principal Eddie McDonald, Tommy Dixon, Coach Jesse Scott, Coach Stephen Hunter, Coach Debbie Roper, Coach Robin Dunn Front Row (From left to right): Tammy Dixon, Megan Dixon, Dr. Richard Ludwig   Dana Cole of Allatoona signs w/ Brenau University     (Left to right) Brett Hubinger( Allatoona head girls coach), Rick Ludwig, Brenau head track and field coach, Kim Fortenberry( throws coach), David Ravens craft ( Allatoona head track and field coach) Bottom-Dana and her family.      

Etowah HS Cross Country Announces their 1st Annual 'Burrito Mile' being held on Saturday May 19th at the Track and welcomes everyone in the Community to participate.  We are hoping to break the burrito mile records, and the way to do that is have more competition!  Please click on the article header for details.... Burrito Mile Registration Form Below http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/burrito mile reg form.pdf   Facebook Page   http://www.facebook.com/events/304526856268802

Autumn Burnette of Peachtree Ridge leads the 300 Hurdles category in 42.58 Image courtesy of MVP Photo Top Female Athletes recognized by Class from 3/17 - 3/31. http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/athlete of the month march 2012.pdf

Top Male Athletes including outstanding Field Marks back to 3-17. http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/ga milesplit athletes wk 2xx.pdf

1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A......

Girls Power Rankings by Class  A, AA, AAA, AAAA, AAAAA.....

Boys All-Class Power Rankings thru March 31....

Girls All-Class Power Rankings thru March 31....

Here is a preview of the 2012 Westlake Relays by Coach Cage....

The Cobb County Track and Field Championships will take place Saturday and Monday at Marietta High School.  Expect some great performances in this highly competitive meet. Saturday Heat Sheets http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/heat sheets saturday.pdf Field Events                 http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/field events.pdf Meet Schedule            http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/meet schedule.pdf Monday Performance List   http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/performance list monday.pdf

USATF GA proudly announces the 1st Annual Georgia Indoor All-State Team Girls- http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/usatf girls.pdf   Boys- http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/usatf boys.pdf

The weather was a bit tricky, but the action on the track and infield was hot for this years' version of the Coaches Invitational held at Tech's beautiful George C. Griffin Track set against a backdrop of downtown Atlanta's skyline. There were many incredible performances leaving one to wonder what will happen come Region, Sectionals and State...Co meet MVPs were Kendell Williams and Stephanie Kurgall (Girls) and Josh Brickell and Devon Williams (Boys)....more

Avana Story unleashes the Weight Throw implement enroute to capturing her 1st National Indoor title. Image courtesy of Don Rich of pa.milesplit.com    Throw1deep went 'downtown'  capturing 3 Individual National titles in the throws at the New Balance Indoor Nationals this past weekend and Kendell Wiliams continued her dominance in the High Jump and Pentathlon adding 2 more titles to her resume....  

USATF GA proudly releases their selections of the 1st Annual All- State Indoor Teams Girls- http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/usatf girls.pdf Boys- http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/usatf boys.pdf

Updated 3-14 7:30pm!  Click on Article Header for Coaches Invitational Meet Preview by Pope Coach Cathi Monk Friday Events http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/2012 coaches friday.pdf Acceptance List http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/updated acceptance 2012.pdf Bus Parking http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/bus parking.pdf Patron Parking for Tech http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/11171/parking for tech.pdf  

     Here is the first of many ga.milesplit.com Track Athletes of the Week as determined by the Georgia HS Track/Cross Country Coaches Association.

USATF Georgia Hall of Fame ACCEPTING Nominations The USA Track and Field Georgia Hall of Fame Committee announces acceptance of nominations for the USATF Georgia Hall of Fall Class of 2012. Nominations will be accepted via email or regular mail until April 15, 2012.  Criteria and other details are available at:             USATFGA.ORG

      USATF Georgia announces plans for its first annual All-State indoor track and field team. The team will be selected from Georgia high school athletes who compete at the New Balance Indoor Nationals in New York March 9-11. The team will be announced March 15th on the USATF Georgia web site www.usatfga.org.

          Image courtesy of Photo Run/Online Athens  Torie Owers of Athens Academy shattered the official All-Time Shot Put mark in a Prep Event this past Wednesday at Jefferson HS with a monster toss of 50-03. Her previous Put the same series was 50-02 and that is being consistently excellent!  Torie also slung the Discus 156-04 moving her up to 2nd on the GA All-Time list! Let's continue to watch out this Spring for Owers to continue improving as she always strives for.

   Brenau University announces it will launch track and field as its ninth Golden Tigers varsity sport in time to start competing next year.   According to Richard Ludwig, head track and field coach.....

In the third episode of The Fit Runner our host is Dr. Giddeon J. Lewis, foot and ankle specialist, and Chairman of the MileSplit Medical Advisory Board. Joining Dr. Lewis to talk about "Heel Pain" are professional triathletes Jarrod Shoemaker and Alicia Kaye, along with University of Central Florida athletic trainer Jennifer Perez. The group will discuss causes of heel pain as well as preventative tips. This is the latest episode in our series on being a fit runner.

 Shannen stands in the actual driveway where she works out!  Image by Javier Jenkins Dominion Christian Schools of the GISA, is the home of Multi event competitor Shannen-Rose Forde who is currently ranked US#8 in the 60 hurdlers.....Athlete Profile http://ga.milesplit.com/athletes/1507827-shannen-rose-forde   Article Contributed by Javier Jenkins

Trans World Sport profile the reigning men's Triple Jump World Champion, Christian Taylor. After his stunning victory at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, Trans World Sport travel to Gainesville to meet the former Florida Gator as he gets ready for the 2012 season.

Clemson track and field got a world-class addition to its recruiting class Tuesday, as Mount Vernon Presbyterian senior Nnenya Hailey signed her national letter of intent with the Tigers during a ceremony on Mount Vernon's Glenn Campus. (via Neighbor Newspapers)

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.