The event Hub where we will have the live streams, meet previews, live results, photos, videos, interviews, and meet recaps of all 8 of the 2022 GHSA State Track and Field Championships. Check it out:

2022 State Event Hub

3A Meet Preview

Girls

The 2021 3A girls state meet was a classic. Westminster put up 115 points and Sandy Creek had 107-but both finished behind GAC and their massive 128-point haul. This year, Westminster and Sandy Creek are back in the mix for the top three, but GAC is projected to have "only" 83 this year after Trinity Rossum and Danielle Jones graduated. For Westminster, distance runner Palmer Walstad, jumper Kelsey Chambers, and sprinter/hurdler/jumper Grace Smith will look to bring the Westminster girls their first track state title since 2013. Sandy Creek has never won a track and field championship, and they will by hungry to win one this year led by sprinter Bobbi Olive, jumper Chelsea Davis, and mid-distance specialist Isis Symone Grant. Can they overcome the early-season loss of mid-distance star Gabriella Grissom and upset the Wildcats? Meanwhile, GAC will continue to battle for the trophy with a balanced squad, and nobody would be surprised if they jumped into the top two at the state meet with talent in the sprints, relays, and throws. You couldn't fit a piece of paper between the next six teams, as Savannah Arts, North Hall, Appling County, Cherokee Bluff, Hart County, and Mary Persons will be duking it out for the fourth spot.

Projected Team Results

Westminster: 135.5

Greater Atlanta Christian: 83

Sandy Creek: 82.5

Savannah Arts: 36

North Hall: 35.5

Appling County: 33

Cherokee Bluff: 33

Hart County: 31

Individual

Nia Wilson (11.82 / 24.29) opens as the favorite in the 100m and 200m. There is a very talented 400m field, with Isis Symone Grant (55.67) leading the way ahead of Lydia Robinson and Camille Quarterman. It will be worth watching just to see how fast Isis Symone Grant can go in the 400 and 800. She hasn't competed much this season, but she has dominated when she has. Palmer Walstad (4:57.65 / 10:59.76) has been nearly unbeatable in the 1600 and 3200 this season, but Margaret Wade (10:57.79) actually has the fastest season PR of the 3A runners in the 3200. In the discus and shot put, three athletes have clearly risen above the pack. Leia Williams has gone undefeated in the discus and shot put this season, but she's competed at mostly smaller meets. At the 3A state meet, she'll compete against the GAC super duo of Alana Thomas and Autumn Clark. Chelsea Davis looks to take home two jumping titles in the long jump and triple jump, but Grace Smith will be a challenger for that long jump championship. Amelia Johnson (12' 8") is the heavy favorite in the pole vault. The 4x100 is extremely close, with Greater Atlanta Christian (48.38), Carver (48.39), and Cherokee Bluff (48.55) within 0.17 seconds of each other. Mary Persons is the favorite in the 4x200, as is Sandy Creek in the 4x400 and North Hall in the 4x800.

Boys

Westminster boys broke a seven-year drought without a state title last season, taking the victory over Liberty County with a fairly low total score (for a state winner) of 70 points. This year, they should have no trouble surpassing that point total. Matthew Fernando, Jack Ramsey, and Joseph Jacquot should rack up distance points, Phillips Moore has been incredible in the throws this season, and their relays have been excellent. However, no track meet is ever won on paper, and the Westminster athletes will have to prove it in Carrollton. Hart County finished third last year and has improved this season. They should score most of their points in field events, and they might hold the lead after day 1 or 2. Crisp Co. should be in the mix for third thanks to sprinters Jayden Gray  and Jaylin Smith, who will be runners to watch in the 100, 200, 4x100, and 4x200. Johnson-Savannah is right there with Crisp County thanks to sprinter Samari Dowdy in the 100 and 200 and good field events. Southeast Bulloch, Sandy Creek, Cedar Grove and East Forsyth will be battling with Crisp County and Johnson-Savannah for that final podium spot. 

Projected Team Results

Westminster: 100

Hart County: 55.5

Crisp County: 40

Johnson-Savannah: 40

Southeast Bulloch: 38

Sandy Creek: 35

East Forsyth: 34

Cedar Grove: 32

Individual

The 400, 800, and long jump should be events to watch for the 3A boys. Darius Smith is the slight favorite for the boys' 400, but ten more 3A runners have broken 51 seconds this year. Although it's unlikely, we could see all eight runners in the final break 50! In the 800, Alex Arrambide will get the chance to avenge his defeat to Matthew Fernando from the XC state meet, where he lost his shoe and ultimately finished second. Overall, six runners have run 1:58 or better this season. In the long jump, Barry Jackson of Cedar Grove has the best PR, a slim 0.5 inches ahead of Cam Lacy and Ted Hurst. Only three inches back of Lacy and Hurst are two more jumpers, so this will be a close one for sure. In other events, Jayden Gray of Crisp County may win the sprint double, but he'll have to beat out Samari Dowdy (10.41) in the 100m. There will be an excellent discus duel with the top three athletes within 3 feet of each other. Simon Seid (16' 6") is one of the very best pole vaulters in the state. Josh Jones (14.16 / 37.93) could win the double for the hurdle events. In the relays, Sandy Creek will look to take home lots of points in the 4x100 and 4x200, while Westminster will have a good chance to do the same in the 4x400 and 4x800.