Zach Benjamin Wins Region Titles

Piedmont Academy’s Zach Benjamin earned two region titles at the 1-AA meet last week hosted by Gatewood in Eatonton.

Benjamin won the 100-meter and 200-meter events and will represent the school at the state meet in Albany beginning Thursday. Benjamin ran an 11.00 in the 100-meter and had a time of 22.34 in the 200-meter.

It marks the second year in a row he has won the 100-meter region title. Benjamin was runner up in the 200 last spring.

“We are looking for a good showing at state,” said Piedmont track coach Rhett Farmer. “Based on his time in the 100, he has a chance to win state.”

Benjamin will be one of 16 competitors in both state events. He was sixth at state last season in the 100 and seventh in the 200.
Farmer said the 11.00 time in the 100-meter dash at region is comparable to last season’s state champion in AAA. The state record is 10.84.

“He ran well at region,” Farmer said. “It was a hand-clocked time. At state we we’ll know exactly what he runs.”

Benjamin should qualify for the finals in both events, his coach said.
The state meet is at Hugh Mills Stadium in Albany.