Many of the state’s top athletes will compete Thursday through Saturday at the 40th boys track and field state championships, known as the Georgia Olympics XL. As usual, the three-day event will be held at Jefferson High School in Jefferson.
Here is a look at the top teams and individuals to watch at this year’s championships.
Class AAAAA
The favorite: Parkview will look to upstage its neighborhood rival, Brookwood, last year’s champions. The Panthers are paced by sprinters Micah Reed, a junior, and senior Eric Brown, while fellow senior Elliot Abraham could win the high jump in his first year competing in track and field. Brookwood seniors Sean Brennan and Jackson Wearn will try to place first and second in the 800 meters to help the Broncos hold on to the title.
Other teams in the hunt: Campbell, Lowndes, Mill Creek, Newton, Westlake.
Athletes to watch: Kenneth Durden, Lowndes, triple jump; Chris Foster, Walton, 400 meters and long jump; Tori Tillman, Peachtree Ridge, 100 meters.
Class AAAA
The favorite: Bainbridge will try to become the first AAAA team to repeat since Cedar Shoals in 2002-2003. The Bearcats are once again loaded, with 11 athletes competing in Jefferson, led by triple jumper Delonte Martistee. But AAAA might be the deepest class, as several other teams, including Clarke Central, will look to challenge.
Other teams in the hunt: Cedar Shoals, Griffin, Hardaway and Kell.
Athletes to watch: Ray Drew, Thomas County Central, discus; Quenshaun Watson, Clarke Central, 100 and 200 meters; Wade Voyles, Chapel Hill, 1,600 meters; Jordan Vaughn, Union Grove, 100 meters.
Class AAA
The favorite: Carrollton looks to take home its 24th title and its fifth in the past 11 Georgia Olympics. The Trojans are led by Georgia Tech football signee Broderick Snoddy. The defending state champion in the 100 and 200 meters, Snoddy has the state’s top overall time in the 100 meters this season at 10.45 seconds. Teammate Jonathan Jones has the state’s fastest time in the 110-meter hurdles (13.75).
Other teams in the hunt: Cedar Grove, Drew, Monroe Area, Westover.
Athletes to watch: Nikita Kirilov, St. Pius, pole vault; Cody Barger, North Hall, 1,600 and 3,200 meters; Brendan Hoban, St. Pius, 3,200 meters; Shaquille Walker, Richmond Hill, 800 meters.
Class AA
The favorite: A host of teams are poised to take home the title this season, with no clear front-runner. Elbert County senior Valdon Cooper (triple jump, long jump, 110 meter hurdles) hopes to power the Blue Devils to victory.
Other teams in the hunt: Calhoun, Northeast-Macon, North Oconee, Laney, Lamar County, Lovett, Jackson-Atlanta, Mitchell County.
Athletes to watch: Justin Scott-Wesley, Mitchell County, 100 and 200 meters; Tripp Hurt, North Oconee, 1,600 and 3,200 meters; Jalil Braxton, Lovett, 400 meters; Kyle Harris, Pepperell, discus and shot put; Terrio Leverett, Spencer, long jump.
Class A
The favorite: Athens Christian looks favored to take home its first title since 2007. Senior Joshua Jenkins is the top 3,200-meter runner in Class A and will try to take home the title in the 1,600 as well.
Other teams in the hunt: Charlton County, Claxton, Darlington, Dooly County, Jenkins County.
Athletes to watch: Henry Dwyer, Athens Academy, 1,600 meters; O’Neal Wanliss, Holy Innocents’, 400 and 800 meters.
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Georgia Olympics XL
When: Thursday-Saturday. Competition begins at noon each day. The finals for all field events and the 1,600 meter run will be held Thursday. Preliminaries in all other running events, including relays, will be held Friday, with finals Saturday.
Where: Memorial Stadium-Bryan Keene Track, Jefferson High School, 127 Memorial Drive in Jefferson. From Atlanta, take I-85 North to exit 137 (U.S. 129/Georgia 11) toward Jefferson/Gainesville. Turn right and follow U.S. 129 South. Turn left on Old Swimming Pool Road. Continue onto Lynn Avenue. Turn right onto Memorial Drive.
Admission: $7 each day.
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