Top performances of the weekend
Several athletes turned in stellar performances in various meets last week. For the boys, Whitefield Academy senior Robby Keough took over the top spot in the state in the 1,600 meters with a time of 4:18.71 at an invitational hosted by his school this weekend, while McEachern senior hurdler Martice Moore ran the state’s two fastest times thus far this season in the 300 meter hurdles with a 38.49 in the preliminary round followed by a blistering 38.09 in the finals of the event at the Bob Hayes Invitational, one of the most competitive meets in the southeast, held annually in Jacksonville. Both performances are in the top 25 nationally – Moore is No. 16 while Keough’s time is No. 24.
For the girls, the Parkview Invitational was the venue for three of the best performances of the weekend, led by Rockdale County sophomore Candace Hill. The reigning Class AAAAAA champion in the 100 and 200 meters served notice that she will not relinquish those titles easily, posting times of 11.66 and 23.91, respectively, ranking her eighth and fourth in the nation. Also at Parkview, Westlake freshman Kennedy Simon claimed the state’s leading time in the 400 meters with a 54.83, the No. 4 time nationally. At the Hayes Invitational, two Campbell hurdlers posted state-leading times – Erin Hardnett, a senior, ran 14.47 in the 100 meter hurdles, while freshman Alexis Jones posted a time of 43.50 in the 300 meter hurdles. At the Flowery Branch Invitations, North Springs junior Lauren Jackson ran a time of 2:18.24 in the 800 meters to take over the state’s No. 1 spot in that event. In the field, Johns Creek senior Hayden Merrick recorded a discus throw of 143-feet, ½ inch at a quad meet hosted by rival Lambert.
Roswell Relays showcase top performances
The 19th annual Roswell Relays produced some great performances as well. In a novelty event, the 6,400 meter relay, Northview's girls ran the state's fastest time so far, 21:12.15. In the sprint medley relay, Union Grove's girls ran a state-best time of 4:16.50, while the Marist girls time of 12:04.08 in the distance medley relay was also the best time by a team in Georgia.
On the boys side, Milton’s 18:10.75 in the 6,400 meter relay, St. Pius’ 3:33.61 in the sprint medley and Etowah’s 10:50.23 in the distance medley are all top times in the state.
County championships on the line this week
As teams begin to round into shape heading into their all important state qualifying meets later next month – the region and sectional meets – community bragging rights will be on the line this week and weekend as several county championship meets are scheduled to be held around the state. Here is a rundown from the metro area:
Walton County, today and Thursday at George Walton Academy
Douglas County, Wednesday at New Manchester
Newton County – Rockdale County, Wednesday and Thursday at Salem High School
Cherokee County, Thursday at Creekview
Hall County, Thursday at Flowery Branch
Atlanta Public Schools, Saturday and March 30 at North Atlanta
Cobb County, Saturday and March 30 at Marietta
DeKalb County, Saturday and March 30 at Panthersville Stadium
Fulton County, Saturday and March 30 at Milton
Gwinnett County, Saturday and March 30 at Mill Creek
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