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The 2024 track and field season is off to a blazing start, and it's already shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. Across Mississippi, athletes are wasting no time setting state leads, breaking personal records, and making their mark on the national rankings. From dominant sprints on the Coast to historic distance performances up north, the competition is fierce-and we're just getting started.
Let's take a look at the early-season performances that are already shaking up the rankings.
Sprint Showdown: Ocean Springs Leads the Charge
Ocean Springs has unleashed a powerhouse sprint squad, headlined by Jax Coleman, Davin Smith, and Carmela Coulter. Senior Jax Coleman wasted no time making a statement at the OS Varsity Meet, clocking 10.48 in the 100m and 21.48 in the 200m-both personal bests and current state leads. His teammate, Davin Smith, wasn't far behind, scorching the track with a 10.65 in the 100m, securing the top two spots in the state for Ocean Springs.
On the girls' side, Carmela Coulter is establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her 25.48 in the 200m is a new personal best and leads the state by a wide margin. Pair that with her 12.36 in the 100m, and it's clear she's on track for a dominant season.
Middle-Distance Masterclass
Stepping up in distance, Erik Lindmark became the first athlete in Mississippi to break 2:00 in the 800m this season, clocking 1:59.92 at the Indian Invite for the win and a new state lead. Coming off an impressive indoor season, where he ran 1:58.54, Erik has proven that his momentum is here to stay.
At the MC Spring Cleaning Classic, Lilly Overby took on collegiate competition without hesitation, storming to victory in the 800m with a blistering 2:15.44-a new personal best and the fastest time in the state. With this being her season debut in the event, she's positioned herself as the one to beat in both the 800m and 1600m.
Addison Rainey also made a statement, clocking 2:22.62 in the 800m for the second-fastest time in Mississippi, a massive personal best that showcased her progress. She carried that momentum into the OS Varsity Meet, where she ran 5:09.89 in the 1600m, securing the second-fastest time in the state behind Overby. With only two girls breaking 5:10 this season, the race for dominance is heating up.
Sky-High Jumps and Record-Breaking Throws
Ocean Springs' Skylan Hunter took flight, setting state leads in both the high jump and triple jump, clearing 6-7.25 and 45-11.5, respectively-both personal bests. And it's only March. With an offseason of hard work clearly paying off, the question isn't if he'll break more records-it's how far he'll push them.
On the girls' side, Sahara Cooper of Gulfport High is proving she's still the one to beat in the long jump and triple jump. The defending MHSAA 7A State Champion opened her season with 19-1.5 in the long jump and 37-10.5 in the triple, both personal bests. With her sights set on repeating as champion, she's showing no signs of slowing down.
Meanwhile, Mississippi's top discus thrower delivered a nationally-ranked performance at the Long Beach Relays. Sean Fairley from West Harrison High School unleashed an 188-5 throw and now ranks as the second-best discus thrower in state history, trailing only Roury McCloyen. His performance currently places him at U.S. #4, and with a full season ahead, the state record is well within reach.
Soaring to New Heights in the Pole Vault
Julie Segroves of Biloxi High School kicked off her season with a smooth 12-7 in the pole vault at the Long Beach Relays. The Air Force Academy commit has already built one of the most decorated high school careers in Mississippi history, and her final season is shaping up to be just as spectacular. Her mark currently ranks her U.S. #4, a promising start to her farewell campaign.
Top Distance Stars Don't Disappoint
Up north in Tupelo, Andrew Brown kicked off his season with a performance for the record books. Running the 3200m at the Fleet Feet Season Opener, he went out hard and never looked back, crossing the line in 9:05.27-a jaw-dropping 15+ second personal best. This time cements him as the second-fastest 3200m runner in Mississippi history and currently places him 4th in the nation.
On the girls' side, 7th grader Jewel Baker from East Rankin Academy chipped away at her own state lead in the 3200m. At the Canton Academy Early Bird Invitational, she split an 11:38.97 to seal the win and improve her personal best by one second. On the national leaderboards, she is currently ranked as the second fastest 7th grader in the nation.
Early Season Standouts in the 400m
At the Northwest Rankin Sprints and Relays, Ken Travis took off in the 400m and came back with a new state lead. His time of 49.59 marks his first time breaking the 50-second mark and he is the first athlete in the state to break that mark this season.
At the Indian Invite, Emerson Yelverton came away with a new state lead and personal best in this event, winning the day with her 57.62. She is starting her season off hot in several events, but her performance in the 400m might just be the most impressive. If she's already this fast in March, where will she land in May?
Markeith Thompson Doubles Down in the Hurdles
At the Brookhaven Speed Trials, Natchez High School's senior hurdler, Markeith Thompson, delivered a stellar performance, seizing the state lead in both the 110mH and 300mH. Thompson blazed through the 110mH with a time of 14.3, showcasing his exceptional speed and technique. He further cemented his dominance in the 300mH, clocking an impressive 38.14. These performances mark a significant progression from his previous season, where he recorded times of 15.88 in the 110m hurdles and 44.85 in the 300m hurdles.
On the girls' side of the hurdles, Kaitlyn Jones from Clinton High School leads the state in the 100mH, setting the time at 14.71. The reigning state champ is already showing what she's made of, with this performance being a solid personal best.