APRIL 23, 2021 -- ATLANTA -- It's an event that is sure to produce some of the most memorable competitions of the 2021 high school outdoor track and field season. The inaugural Wingfoot Night of Champions will see Georgia's best jumpers, throwers and runners go head-to-head, under the lights at Marietta High School on Saturday, May 22 to determine the best athlete in the state across 14 disciplines.
Organized by Atlanta Track Club in partnership with high school track and field coaches from across Georgia, more than 300 athletes are expected to compete at the Wingfoot Night of Champions. The meet follows the legacy nd tradition of the former Meet of Champions with many of the coaches who made that meet a success, lending their time and expertise to the new meet. This season's GHSA state champions receive guaranteed entry in their respective disciplines. Remaining spots will be filled by athletes who achieve the meet's qualifying standards which can be found here. Each event will be capped at 16 athletes.
With the GHSA post-season officially kicking off this weekend, some of the state's best performers have already committed to the meet including Georgia's top-ranked throwers in the shot put, (Adam Watkins, Dacula High School, 59-10, Janae Profit, Dunwoody High School, 46-8.5) and discus (Seth Allen, New Manchester High School, 168-11, Janae Profit, 159-8 ) and the top ranked girls in the 800m, 1600m and 3200, (Riley Perlakowski - Harrison High School, 2:10.13, Hannah Minuitti - Blessed Trinity High School - 4:57.99, 10:31.42).
Zack Truitt (4:06.69), of Landmark Christian who currently holds the second fastest 1600m time in the nation, has also committed as have Georgia's second ranked high jumpers Jazzmin Taylor (5-8) and Brandon Benton (6-8.25), both of Alexander High School. Athletes and coaches can find more information on registering for the meet including contact information for the recruiters in each discipline here.
"We were disappointed to have to cancel this meet in 2020 due the pandemic," said Rich Kenah, Atlanta Track Club's executive director. "But, we believe the performances of these young stars at the Wingfoot Night of Champions will make this meet well worth the wait and mark the beginning of a new season-end tradition that showcases Georgia preps as the best in the nation.
A full meet schedule can be found here. Details on live results and event coverage will be released in the coming weeks.
Founded in 1964 as an organization that supported and celebrated high school track and field and cross country athletes, Atlanta Track Club currently hosts the annual Powerade All-Metro Track & Field and Cross Country Banquets and the Wingfoot XC Classic. The Club also sponsors the GHSA State Track & Field and Cross Country Championships.