Two Cane Tracksters Qualify for State Meet

Six Monticello High School track athletes ventured to state sectionals last Saturday hoping to earn a spot in the state finals.

Mari Jablonski, the lone Lady Cane to compete at sectionals, will compete at the state finals in both the 1,600 and 3,200-meter runs. The junior finished fifth in the 3,200-meter run in 13:24.14 and took eighth in the 1,600-meter event in 6:10.13.

The top eight finishers in each event at sectionals advance to the state finals in Rome.

For the Monticello boys, DeMario Thomas quailed in the 3,200-meter run after a strong third place finish at sectionals in 10:54.41. He was approximately 10 seconds in front of the fourth-place finisher.

“We felt Mari and DeMario were both locks to get to the state finals,” said coach Chris Pennamon.

Odalyus Thurman and Dwaynell Connor finished first and second at the region meet but were not able to clear the opening height of 5-8 at sectionals. Pennamon said both athletes would return next spring.

Kedrion Jackson ran an 11.89 in the 100-meter dash which put him in 15th place. His coach said Jackson sprained his ankle earlier in the week and that his athlete was not at 100 percent by Saturday.

Jaymerious Fleetwood finished 13th at sectionals in the 200-meter dash.

“We are proud to have two athletes going to the state finals but we thought we might have four or five,” Pennamon said. “That’s just how it goes sometimes. Anything can happen.”

The MHS coach said he believes both Jablonski and Thomas have strong chances to be on the podium this week in Rome.

The track duo will compete in the state finals today, May 9 and Friday, May 10 at Berry College. Both will run in the 3,200 meters run today and Mari will compete in the 1,600 meters Friday.