Well, here we are again, as another crop of top MS athletes will go for the Gold individually and for that coveted team title. Currently, 65 teams and over 1100 athletes are registered, and expect those numbers to grow, as many MS schools have yet to add athletes to their entry, as well as a floodgate of unattached Individuals who register late.
SMART Athletics has been the host of the meet since its inception as far back as 2010, or before. MileSplit GA will be onsite once again, shooting race video of every heat by Matt Almand (that will begin posting later Saturday evening) and shooting a massive photo gallery from both days will be Marc Logan of SmugMug Photography, as well as Rich Castro getting awards pics and possibly interviews..and Daniel McCauley working his magic all around the track and infield..
Parkview HS has been an incredible host for this meet for many years now, spearheaded by current GATFXCCA.com president, Matt Henson of Parkview HS. Parkview, also boasts one of the best concession stands in the state, on the homeside, top level of the 'Big Orange Jungle' If you are hungry, this is where one needs to go...
MileSplit GA hopes to have Day 1 results posted late Friday. But, for LIVE results from the meet, please go to this link, MS State LIVE Results. This way, everyone in attendance and at home can check out results event by event!
2018 Georgia State Middle School Track & Field Championships Preview
(by Kristian Moses)
Almost 1500 of the state's top middle school track and field competitors are converging on Lilburn, Ga. for the 2018 Georgia MS State Track & Field Championships, April 20 - April 21. SMART Athletics and Parkview High School host an exceptional meet in the "Big Orange Jungle" where 15 events will be contested over 2 days, ranging from the long jump to the 4x800m relay. The weather on Friday and Saturday will be primed for some exhilarating performances as MileSplit GA will be on hand providing photo and video coverage. The future of Georgia track and field is bright and will be on display at this year's championships!
Sprints & Hurdles
Mallory Hodge leads a tremendous field in the girl's sprints. She's posted a middle school leading time in the 100m of 12.28 and looks to break into the sub 12 range this weekend. Challenging her will be Tamia Fuller, Nia Wilson, and Cydney Bowe of Chamblee MS. In the 200m, Mallory will get all she can handle from Rasunek Tyler-Thompson, Sydney Harris, and Jordyn Parker. Raquel Grier and Jessicka Woods are set to battle it out in the 400m, joined by many athletes under 63 seconds. Jasmine Harmon, Zion Rice, and Yahnari Lyons lead the way in the 100m hurdles. Holy Innocents' Makiya Bailey is the clear front runner in the 300m hurdles and will look to break the state record. Ekemini Sunday, Martiz Partee, and Emory Floyd headline the boy's sprint events. Chasing after the 100m crown will be Melvin Goddard of Oak Hill, Partee of Bearcreek, Sunday of Jonesboro, and Jalen Thomas of McNair. Emory Floyd and Rashun Fountain will go head to head for 200m state record. Leading the way in the 400m is Dequan Tate, Kirtavious Hightower, and Eric Pullum. The 100m hurdles will bring out some of the fastest hurdlers we've seen since the MS championships started 9 years ago. Keep an eye on Malaki Starks of Jefferson, Dexter Ricks of Oak Hill, and Malik Mixon running unattached. Jaden Wolf and Norquavius Harper are the favorites in the 300m hurdles.
Distance
There are several athletes to look out for in the girls distance events this year. We have Luna McCauley, Annie Jardina, and Abigail McHoul in the 800m. In the 1600m, Allie Ross of Westminster, Luna McCauley of Paideia, and Hailey Davis of Henderson are all capable of running under 5:20. The 3200m will close out the first day competition featuring Ella Bailey, Angela Agcaoili of Greenbrier, and Katherine Law of Jefferson MS. The boys distance competitions will be just as exciting as the girls. All eyes will be on Joey Vos of Liberty MS as he attempts a distance double in the 800m and 1600m. He will have to face Hayden Squires, Sam Rich, Trent Bell, and Sutter Guttery. Hayden Squires, Sam Rich, Jared Fortenberry, and Nairell Wells lead a stacked field in the boys 3200m run.
Field Events
In the girls' high jump, Trinity Williams, Janine Horst, and Trinity Marshall have their eyes set on breaking the state record. Kayla Pinkard of Carrolton Junior will be the one to beat in the triple jump. Rasunek Tyler-Thompson and Trinity Williams lead the long jump competition with incredible marks. Olivia Clark of King's Ridge and Miriam Hartry of Oak Hill will lead a large field in the girl's pole vault competition on Saturday. Kameryn Hannon appears to be primed to take home the gold medal in the girl's discus. Sinclaire Fryer and Kameryn Hannon have both thrown for 39ft. in the shot put and will compete for the top spot. The boys' field events will showcase some of the premier talent in the country. In the boys' high jump Chance Cross of Malcolm Bridge, Jumel Lewis of Vickery Creek, and Malaki Starks of Jefferson are tied with the top marks coming into the championships. Starks of Jefferson, Dexter Ricks of Oak Hill, and Keivon Daniels of Marietta are the favorites in the triple jump. The long jump competition will bring out some talented jumpers in Rashun Fountain, Dexter Ricks, and Joe Hampton. Look for Collin Hall of Athens Christian and Lambdin Hardy to battle and dominate in the pole vault. Knox McKinney is the clear favorite in the shot put and Grayson Mains will look to capture the gold in the discus.
2017 Girls Team Winners
Perimeter Christian School
Burney-Harris-Lyons MS
Woodward Academy
2017 Boys Team Winners
Shiloh Generals Track
Columbia County MS
Landmark Christian School