NEW ORLEANS, La - The United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) is delighted to announce the winners of the 2023 Mississippi High School Coaches of the Year award. In an impressive display of talent and skill in the sport of Track and Field, Pearl High School's Chris Barnett and Clinton High School's Jonathan Perkins have been honored with the Boys Coach of the Year and Girls Coach of the Year awards, respectively.
Both coaches led their teams to memorable victories at the 2023 MHSAA 6A Track and Field Championships. Barnett led the Pearl Pirates to an exciting win over local rivals Clinton, a triumphant capstone to a hard-fought season. Pearl secured four individual/relay titles and boasted five more podium finishes at the Championships, showcasing their unwavering perseverance and competitive spirit.
On the girls' side, Perkins led the Clinton Lady Arrows to a decisive victory in the MHSAA 6A Girls title, proving their dominance in toughest classification in Mississippi. They clinched an impressive seven individual/relay titles, while also achieving six more podium finishes.
It wasn't just in the championships where these schools made their mark. Over the course of the 2023 season, Pearl High's athletes showcased four state-leading performances, while Clinton High's athletes exhibited five.
Both programs are testament to the tireless dedication and the exemplary leadership of Barnett and Perkins. Their ability to nurture talent, foster team spirit, and drive competitive excellence have seen them guide their respective teams to extraordinary success.
"These awards are not just a recognition of a successful season, but a testament to the steadfast commitment and dedication that Coach Barnett and Coach Perkins have demonstrated in shaping their teams into champions," said a USTFCCCA representative. "They have been instrumental in making Pearl and Clinton two of the most distinguished Track and Field programs in Mississippi."
MileSplit Mississippi sends its hearty congratulations to both Chris Barnett and Jonathan Perkins for their well-earned awards and salutes the sporting prowess of both Pearl and Clinton. Their consistent performances, competitive resilience, and exemplary sportsmanship make them shining examples of Mississippi's high school athletics.
We look forward to another exciting year in the sport of Track and Field, and we're sure these outstanding programs will continue to make Mississippi proud.