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The anticipation for the 2023 MSAIS 6A Track and Field Championships is reaching a fever pitch as athletes, coaches, and fans prepare for a thrilling event. Showcasing the best talent from across the state, this year's championships will feature a host of showdowns and star performances.
One of the most eagerly awaited matchups is the showdown between Olivia Smith and Riz McBride, two phenomenal athletes who will go head-to-head in a battle for supremacy. This is just one of many exciting storylines to follow at the event.
In addition to the Smith-McBride faceoff, numerous other standout athletes are set to compete in the Class 6A championships. Madison Ridgeland Academy's (MRA) Rivers Godwin and Evie Ewing are expected to make waves, along with Hartfield's Ella Rankin. These competitors are primed to showcase their skills, bringing electrifying energy to the event.
Madison Ridgeland Academy is also aiming for a historic achievement this year, as they strive to secure the MSAIS 6A gender sweep. If successful, this would be a testament to the incredible talent and dedication within the MRA track and field program.
The 2023 MSAIS 6A Track and Field Championships promises to be an unforgettable event, delivering intense competition and captivating performances. From a level of competition as well as an entertainment perspective, Class 6A will undoubtedly be the one to watch. Don't miss the opportunity to witness these incredible athletes in action as they vie for glory on the MSAIS Track and in the Field stage.
Madison Ridgeland Academy's Lady Patriots Aim to Defend MSAIS 6A Title
The Lady Patriots of MRA are poised to defend their title in High School Girls Track and Field. With an exceptional roster featuring the talents of Evie Ewing, Mae Ellen Mallet, Riz McBride, Kassidy McMillan, and others, the team is a force to be reckoned with across various disciplines.
Evie Ewing, potentially one of the most versatile athletes in the MSAIS, currently leads in the 100m, 400m, and Long Jump in not just MSAIS 6A, but the MSAIS as a whole. Coupled with her relay performances, she could potentially score a staggering 60 points in a single meet. Meanwhile, sophomore Kassidy McMillan is set to make her mark in the hurdles, as she looks to sweep both events and play a key role in the relays alongside Ewing.
MRA's dominance extends to the jumping events, with High Jump specialist Annie Toler, Triple Jumper Cameron Humphries, and Pole Vaulter Hannah Potter all vying for gold medals. These four athletes alone could secure 40 points for MRA, with additional top-five finishes expected from other team members.
The Lady Patriots' prowess is not limited to sprints and jumps. Distance powerhouses like middle school sensation Riz McBride in the 800m, long-distance specialist Mae Ellen Mallet in the 1600m and 3200m, and young distance star Blair Britt in the 1600m and 3200m races, demonstrate the team's well-rounded abilities.
MRA's strongest advantage lies in the hurdles and jumps, but they face stiff competition from Jackson Prep's talented distance runners and sprinters, and Jackson Academy's formidable throwers, led by Senior Addie Roberts. However, it appears that no team will be able to outpace the Lady Patriots of MRA at the 2023 MSAIS 6A Track and Field Championships.
*Olivia Smith winning the 1600m at the Pearl Track & Field Season Opener
Rankin, Smith, Roberts among Individual Athletes to watch
While the depth of MRA is undeniably impressive, several other standout athletes are poised to make their mark at the 2023 MSAIS 6A Track and Field Championships.
Jackson Prep Junior Olivia Smith has established herself as the queen of Mississippi High School Girls middle-distance running this season. Undefeated in the 800m against Mississippi preps, Smith currently leads the state with a time of 2:21.5. She also boasts a 5:28.6 1600m win and is the reigning MSAIS 6A 1600m Champion.
Hartfield Academy's Ella Rankin, a two-time reigning MSAIS 6A Cross Country Champion and reigning MSAIS 6A 3200m Champion, is another distance star to watch. The freshman led Mississippi with an 18:23 5K(XC) time in 2022, claiming five wins and two Top-2 finishes. In the 2023 Track and Field season, Rankin has continued to excel, with season bests of 5:27.6 in the 1600m and an impressive 11:38.2 in the 3200m. She remains undefeated in the eight-lap event and is expected to engage in thrilling battles with Mallet and Smith in the 1600m and 3200m.
In field events, Jackson Academy thrower Addie Roberts is one to watch as she seeks to sweep the Shot Put and Discus events. Currently ranked first in MSAIS 6A in Shot Put and second in Discus behind Jackson Prep's Taylor Caton, Roberts is undefeated in Shot Put and recently achieved a personal best of 101-2 in Discus. She is set for an exciting showdown with Caton and other competitors.
Other notable athletes to keep an eye on include Presbyterian Christian's Liv Jordan and Alice Pennebaker, as well as Jackson Prep's Gracie Atkinson.
Don't miss the opportunity to witness these exceptional athletes in action at the 2023 MSAIS 6A Track and Field Championships!
MRA Boys Seek Gender Team Title Sweep
Mirroring the success of their girls' team, the MRA boys' team is set to dominate the upcoming 2023 MSAIS 6A Track and Field Championships. With exceptional athletes across various disciplines, MRA is looking to secure a historic gender sweep.
Four standout athletes on the MRA roster include Rivers Godwin, Jake McMillan, Harrison Alexander, and Trace Hendon.
Rivers Godwin is potentially the best long sprinter and long hurdler in MSAIS and one of the best in Mississippi. With season bests of 49.50 in the 400m and 39.80 in the 300mH, Godwin is poised to lead a strong sprints/hurdles crew for the Patriots. He is the favorite in both the 300mH and 400m events and will likely play a key role in the relays. Godwin's potential participation in the 100m or 200m events could also result in a win.
Sophomore Jake McMillan, the current MSAIS leader in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 15.19 seconds, bolsters MRA's strong hurdles crew. McMillan also boasts a time of 41.10 in the 300-meter hurdles and could go 1-2 in the event with Godwin. As a jumper, McMillan is expected to be a major point-scorer for the MRA Patriots at the championships.
Trace Hendon is another versatile athlete on the MRA boys' track and field squad. As the No. 1 seed in the Pole Vault heading into the championships, Hendon is likely to contribute 10 points to MRA's total tally. He is also ranked third in MSAIS 6A in the 100-meter hurdles, showcasing his well-rounded skill set.
Adding to MRA's depth is 6-8 High Jumper Harrison Alexander, who currently ranks as the No. 1 High Jumper in MSAIS and is one of the best in Mississippi. Alexander is rumored to have made serious attempts at the seven-foot barrier and could challenge it at the 2023 MSAIS 6A Track and Field Championships.
Watch out for JA's AJ Parker, Prep's William Laird & Kevin Roberts
While MRA's dominance will undoubtedly be a major storyline at the upcoming 2023 MSAIS 6A Track and Field Championships, several standout athletes from other schools are also looking to make an impact. Short sprints specialist AJ Parker from Jackson Academy, along with Jackson Prep's elite jumps duo of William Laird and Kevin Roberts, are among the top contenders.
Sophomore AJ Parker has been racing the 100-meter dash like a seasoned pro, with a season's best time of 10.89 and three wins under his belt. After finishing fifth in the 100m final at the 2022 MSAIS 6A Track and Field Championships, Parker is aiming to secure his first-ever MSAIS 6A individual title this year.
Jackson Prep's Roberts and Laird are looking to sweep the Long Jump and Triple Jump events at the 2023 MSAIS 6A Track and Field Championships. Both athletes rank highly in the entire MSAIS for their respective events, with Roberts leading the Long Jump and Triple Jump, and Laird ranking second in the Triple Jump. Laird will likely face tough competition from Harrison Alexander and Roberts in the Triple Jump at the championships.
Roberts, on the other hand, seems to be the clear favorite in the Long Jump in MSAIS 6A. With his closest competitor over two feet behind, he is eyeing his first-ever titles in both the Long Jump and Triple Jump events.
These exceptional athletes, along with many others, are sure to make the 2023 MSAIS 6A Track and Field Championships an exciting and memorable event. Be sure to follow along on the MileSplit Mississippi website for updates and more information as the competition unfolds.