Hurricane Tracksters Compete
The Monticello High School boys and girls track teams competed at the Region 8-AA meet last week in Homer.
The top four finishers in each event will now compete at the state sectionals in hopes of making it to the state finals.
Both the Canes and Lady Canes, coached by Chris Pennamon, had several standout efforts at region last week. The region meet was hosted by Banks County High School.
Mari Jablonski finished third in the 1,600-meter run for the Monticello girls in 6:01.91 She was also second in the 3,200-meter run in 13:02.86. She will now compete at sectionals this weekend in both events.
For the Monticello boys, Odalyus Thurman took first in the high jump while teammate Dwaynell Connor was second. Those efforts also earned 18 team points for the Canes and sent the duo to sectionals.
Kedrion Jackson was fourth in the 100-meter dash and Jaymerious Fleetwood was fourth in the 200-meter dash. Demario Thomas finished fourth in the 3,200-meter run in 10:38.30. Fleetwood is in his first season with the varsity team and set a personal best at region. All three are now preparing for state sectionals.
“We excelled during the season but probably underperformed to some degree at region,” Pennamon said. “We went into the region meet expecting to have numerous athletes qualify for sectionals. However, we have been dealing with injuries and sometimes the bigger stage of region can play a role. Overall we are still pleased with the success our athletes had.”
The coach said Thomas was “determined” to qualify for sectionals in the 3,200-meter run and accomplished that goal.
Some athletes finished fifth in their respective events therefore just missing sectionals.
Other top performers for the Monticello teams at region included:
•Kya West, fifth, 100-meter dash, 13.50 and seventh, 200-meter dash, 25.88
•Jaydin Thomas, sixth, long jump, 15-03.25 and sixth, triple jump, 30-09
•Alicia Tripp, eighth, discus, 75-0
•India Thomas, eighth, 100-meter dash, 14.73
•Hailie Tripp, 10th, shot put, 24-9.5
•Hailie Tripp, 11th, discuss, 64-09
•Jazyme Thomas, 12th, shot put, 21-3.75
•Akiren Walker, fifth, discus, 106-3
•Dwaynell Conner, fifth, long jump, 20-03.25
•DeMario Thomas, seventh, 1,600-meter run, 5:04.08
•Johari Stone, eight, shot put, 37-2
•Cole Smith, 10th, shot put, 35-5.5
•Matthew Maddox, 10th, triple jump, 37-03.50
•Canius Dennis, 11th, discus, 81-01
The Monticello boys were sixth overall at region with 48 team points. The Lady Canes finished seventh overall compiling 28 team points. State sectionals will be Saturday in Bremen at the City Schools Track.