Trackster Competes in Australia

Denzel Sands, a rising senior at Jasper County High School (JCHS), has returned from Australia where he competed in two cross country races and earned two medals.

Mr. Sands competed in the 5.7 meter Gold Coast Marathon against 5,000 other runners from all over the world. He placed in the top 100 and received a medal for that race.

The second race in which he competed was called the All American 5K race. He competed against 600 Americans, and placed 49th overall, and second for his age group…winning him another medal.

While in Australia for six days, the young people stayed on the Gold Coast, and visited surfer’s paradise, Brisbane, and other places. He said it was winter there, and it was quite cold. It took 18 hours to reach his destination.

Mr. Sands is the son of Ifetayo Sands of Monticello, and the grandson of Phyllis Farley, also of Monticello. He competes in both track and cross country for the JCHS Hurricanes.

Mr. Sands was invited to Australia after he competed at the state match. He has been running cross country for just two years under JCHS coach Andy Rewis. He has been running track since eighth grade. William “B.J.” Thomas is his current track coach.