The 2026 Classic City Invitational is generating quite a bit of buzz as the debut event at the University of Georgia's brand new track and field facility. By the looks of things, this is set to be one of the premier events in the state this season. Here's what to look for tomorrow at the meet!
Boy's Sprints and Hurdles: A Clash of Speed
The marquee event of the afternoon is undoubtedly the HS Boys 100 Meter Dash. With 73 entries, the depth is staggering. Cornelius CJ Scott of Social Circle enters as the favorite with a blistering seed time of 10.66, closely followed by Carsen Black of Collins Hill (10.72) and Kamoni Adams from Kell (10.73). Expect the final to be decided by a leaning chest at the tape.
In the 110 Meter Hurdles, the eyes of the scouts will be on Cantrell Etheridge of Alexander, who brings a dominant 14.10 seed. He is flanked by teammate Mason Whitehead (14.31), suggesting a potential 1-2 finish for the Cougars. However, Quenton Ervin (Social Circle) remains a threat to break up the Alexander duo.
Distance Events: Record-Breaking Potential
The distance slate features a mix of tactical veterans and rising stars. The HS Boys 1600 Meter Run is headlined by Athens Christian's Johann Brink (4:19.44). He will be pushed heavily by Josh Wineland from East Forsyth and a strong Clarke Central contingent led by Waylon Vaughn.
The 3200 Meter Run might see the most significant movement in state rankings this weekend. Aaron Brodrick from Oconee County enters with a phenomenal 9:05.58, making him the man to beat. Westminster's Lucas Johnson (9:14.17) is expected to stay on his heels, potentially pulling both runners to sub-9:00 performances if the Athens weather holds.
Relays and Field: Team Power on Display
Alexander High School looks to flex its depth in the 4x400 Meter Relay, entering with a powerhouse seed of 3:15.01. Their primary competition will likely come from Collins Hill and the host-adjacent North Oconee squad.
In the Field Events, the Boys Discus Throw features a heavyweight battle. Jacob Herndon (Loganville) leads the field with a massive throw of 164-3.75. He faces stiff competition from Jackson Andrews (Walnut Grove), whose 157-10 seed suggests that one big heave could flip the podium.
Boys Teams to Watch:
Alexander is one of the key teams to watch in the team battle at this meet, which is no surprise given their dominance in both the hurdles and relay events. Social circle boasts top end speed in the short sprints and will put up some big points in those events, and Clarke central has a very strong mid-d and distance squad that should mix it up with everybody. Obviously it all depends on who is at full strength, and you never know when a team might have to make some substitutions on the relays here and there. It'll be a fun battle in Athens, the first of hopefully many, many more to come!
Girls' Sprints: The Battle for the Burn
The HS Girls 100 Meter Dash is wide open, with a large field of over 60 sprinters. Key names to watch from the regional rankings include athletes from Alexander and Archer High School, who consistently produce podium finishers. Miley Booker leads the way in the 100 with an 11.84 while Lailah Green is strong in the 200.
The 400 Meter Dash will be a major highlight, as several athletes look to break the 58-second barrier this early in the season. Keep an eye on the North Oconee and Jefferson contingents, who often use this meet to test their speed endurance before the major championship stretch. Nolyn Herron is the top seed with a 55.41.
Distance: Elite Pace in the Classic City
The distance events are traditionally the crown jewel of this meet. The HS Girls 1600 Meter Run features a strong entry list likely led by Jane Wangari and Madsen Smith. Wangari is the clear favorite in both distance races after a strong XC season.
Bleckley County has a strong group of girls who will be up near the front in multiple distance races. If the weather remains cool, look for several girls to dip under the 11:30 mark, setting early-season benchmarks for the state.
Field Events: Strength and Precision
The Girls Shot Put and Discus will be high-stakes affairs. Many of the top throwers in the state from schools like Loganville and Collins Hill are entered, looking to establish dominance in the circle.
The High Jump and Pole Vault are also expected to be competitive. The vault, in particular, could see high marks at this venue, as the facilities at UGA are world-class. Look for the specialists from Athens Christian to be in the mix for the top spots.
Girls Teams to Watch:
Alexander has a strong hurdle and mid distance presence, but is just a strong team all around. North Oconee will be tough to beat on their own home turf and has a strong sprints presence. St. Pius X will look to use distance and relays to mix it up with the others.
The 2026 Classic City Invitational is generating quite a bit of buzz as the debut event at the University of Georgia's brand new track and field facility. By the looks of things, this is set to be one of the premier events in the state this season. Here's what to look for tomorrow at the meet!
Boy's Sprints and Hurdles: A Clash of Speed
The marquee event of the afternoon is undoubtedly the HS Boys 100 Meter Dash. With 73 entries, the depth is staggering. Cornelius CJ Scott of Social Circle enters as the favorite with a blistering seed time of 10.66, closely followed by Carsen Black of Collins Hill (10.72) and Kamoni Adams from Kell (10.73). Expect the final to be decided by a leaning chest at the tape.
In the 110 Meter Hurdles, the eyes of the scouts will be on Cantrell Etheridge of Alexander, who brings a dominant 14.10 seed. He is flanked by teammate Mason Whitehead (14.31), suggesting a potential 1-2 finish for the Cougars. However, Quenton Ervin (Social Circle) remains a threat to break up the Alexander duo.
Distance Events: Record-Breaking Potential
