The Goula Invitational, hosted by Pascagoula High School, rounds out the action-packed meets for the weekend. A plethora of athletes both out of state and in state are expected to have some top notch performances.

The girl's side is positioned with talent from the long sprints, distance events, and into the field. In the 400m, Carmela Coulter of Ocean Springs High School is the top entry with a personal best of 1:01.29. Coulter will also be competing in the high jump after doubling back from the quarter mile, where she holds a personal best of 5-2, an effort she achieved at the 2022 Mississippi Meet of Champions. 

In the 800m to the 3200m we have some notable distance athletes toeing the line. Olivia Smith of Jackson Prep is doubling the 800m and 1600m. She is the top Mississippi entry in the 800m, holding a PR of 2:26.78. The Jackson Prep junior could also challenge for the victory in the mile. The reigning MAIS 6A state champion in the 1600m, she is fresh off a win at her season opener at Pearl Track & Field Season Opener last week in 5:28. 

Photo credits: Chris Todd

However, Ocean Springs has some tough competitors as well. Maya Messenger, Ashton Rainey, and Sarah Litton are a trio capable of distance dominance. Messenger is a 5:26 miler and has gone 19:09 on the grass for a cross country 5k. Litton is a threat in the 3200m and could very well challenge the 12-minute mark. On top of that, Ashton Rainey is also a top ten finisher at the 2022 MHSAA 6A Cross Country Championships. 

It should also he noted that Addison Rainey, the reigning MHSAA 6A Cross Country Champion, will compete in the 800m run. 

The Ocean Springs names do not stop there. Moving into the field, Lauren Penny is favored for the pole vault, holding a personal best of 10-0. The aforementioned Coulter is on paper favorite expected to edge the victory in the high jump. A junior from Gautier High School, Jennifer Lopez, is expected to challenge the out of state competition in the long jump. She holds a personal best of 16-10.5 and could push the 17 foot mark. 

In the High School Boys Long Jump, Cameron Edwards, a junior from Ocean Springs, is the slight favorite over McGill-Toolen Catholic. Holding a personal best of 22-2, he finished just outside the podium at last year's MHSAA 6A Track and Field Championships.

Edwards' teammate, Grady Westbrook, will also be seeking a top three finish in the pole vault. 

Lawrence North of Pascagoula, will be challenged by a duo from McGill-Toolen Catholic in the triple jump. He jumped 44-1 at the 2023 Sabatini Relays in his season debut, taking home the victory and a new personal best.

With the presence of many out of state competitors, this will be a perfect opportunity for Mississippi athletes to showcase their talents against widespread competition. Stay tuned for coverage and results as 2023 outdoor track and field season is heating up!