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Mississippi's high school track and field athletes have not only been running laps around the Magnolia State but have also been making their mark all across the nation. The post-season, brimming with fierce competition and relentless ambition, witnessed sterling performances from a diverse pool of talents.
Here's our roundup of the monumental moments and defining achievements of our homegrown athletes this season.
Sterling Scott: A 2 x National Champion
The story of the season was undoubtedly written by Starkville High's Sterling Scott. After signing his National Letter of Intent (NLI) to compete at the University of Missouri in the fall, Scott shifted his focus to Philadelphia, Pa., where he was set to compete in the New Balance Outdoor Track and Field National Championships. His efforts bore fruit as he won the event, clinching his second national title following his victory at the Adidas Outdoor National Championships last summer. Scott's performance is a testament to the burgeoning talents within Mississippi's borders and his journey to the top echelons of the sport continues to inspire.
Heidi Hudson at Nike Outdoor Nationals
Not far behind in the limelight was Sumrall's Heidi Hudson. The Western Carolina University signee showcased her prowess at the Nike Outdoor Nationals in Eugene, OR, securing a commendable seventh place in the Heptathlon.
Emerging Elites: Starkville Academy's Boys and Jackson Prep's Olivia Smith
Further cementing Mississippi's presence in the competition, Starkville Academy's Boys 4x400m relay team scorched the track with a seventh-place finish in the Emerging Elite section, clocking an impressive 3:32.21. Jackson Prep's Olivia Smith, who leads the state in the Girls' 800m, showcased her enduring spirit with a strong performance of 2:22 in the Emerging Elite Section.
Mississippi Athletes Shine at AAU Region 11 Qualifier
The athletes also had a prominent showing at the AAU Region 11 Qualifier in Hammond, LA. Hattiesburg's Javarius Molden stole the show with a 58.7 run in the 400m hurdles and a long jump of 22-10. Tylertown's Avery Abram Jr. exhibited impressive athleticism by leaping 23-06 in the long jump, 46-02 in the triple jump, and 6-04 in the high jump, while teammate Jourdan Clements clocked 15.62 in the 110m hurdles. Not to be outdone, Jamarcus Garrett rounded off Tylertown's commendable show with a 21.78 dash in the 200m.
On the ladies' front at the same meet, Biloxi's Addison Yelverton took on the grueling Heptathlon, while seventh-grader Laylah Orange turned heads with her impressive times of 12.80 in the 100m and 1:00.80 in the 400m. Distance runners weren't left behind either.
Distance Debuts: Tate Castleman and Jaheim Bridges
Ocean Spring's Tate Castleman made an outstanding debut in the steeplechase, clinching the 2,000-meter Steeplechase in 7:04.1. Up north at the Music City Distance Carnival in Nashville, Tenn, Tupelo's Jaheim Bridges proved his mettle by running an impressive 4:23 full mile.
This post-season recap is not just a list of statistics and ranks, but a testament to the resilience, determination, and unwavering passion of Mississippi's athletes. Each meet, each race, and each jump has brought our athletes one step closer to their dreams.
Mississippi is indeed a nurturing ground for track and field talents, and we cannot wait to see what these promising athletes achieve next!