VIRTUAL MEET: High School Boys | High School Girls
The highly-anticipated 2023 Mississippi Homeschool Track and Field Championships are fast approaching, and this year promises to be an exciting showdown between the state's most exceptional homeschool athletes.
With the Forerunners of Hattiesburg leading the boys' competition and the Lady Knight Hawks commanding the girls' side, fans can expect a thrilling spectacle on the track and in the field.
Boys' Competition Overview
The Hattiesburg Forerunners are the team to beat, thanks to their formidable sprinters, relay teams, and field event athletes. Their relay teams hold the number one spot in Mississippi in every category from 4x100 to 4x800, showcasing the team's incredible range. Jack Thomas is expected to be a major contributor, with leading times in the 100, 200, and 400-meter races, potentially scoring at least 30 points on his own.
Hattiesburg's hurdle duo, Michael Barnes and Noah Moudy, hold the top spots in the 110H and 300H, respectively. With the team's jumping crew dominating the high jump, long jump, and triple jump events, the Forerunners are in a strong position to sweep multiple categories.
The Tupelo Spartans are also a team to watch, with top spots in all three distance events. Individual standouts include John White of the Jackson Victors, who could win both shot put and discus events, and Jeb Hamilton, who has a strong chance to win both the 800m and 1600m(And potentially lower his Mississippi Homeschool state record in the process).
Girls' Competition Overview
In the girls' competition, the Lady Knight Hawks are poised for victory with a strong sprinting and jumping core and domination in three out of four relays. Emily Taylor leads the team, holding the top spot in the 100m, 200m, 300mH, and Long Jump events.
The Tupelo Spartans, led by Julianna Hamilton and Indya Simmons, are a force to be reckoned with in distance and 400-meter races. Simmons, currently ranked No. 1 in the 400m and No. 2 in the 200m, could potentially overtake the aforementioned Taylor in the short sprints and impact overall standings.
The Hattiesburg Forerunners, a distance powerhouse, are another team to watch for a potential upset, boasting a formidable group of throwers and jumpers, including Kaylie Frost, Allie Cooper, Kadence Martin, and Jayla Stowers.
The Lady Knights' relay teams have consistently delivered top performances in the 4x100, 4x200, and 4x400 races. If they maintain their winning streak, it will be difficult for any other team to catch up in the race for the championship.