Trackster Zach Benjamin Wins State Championship

Zach Benjamin did not allow a disappointing start to the state track meet interfere with his performance at the end.

The Piedmont Academy junior won the GISA Class AA title in the 200-meter dash, turning in a time of 23.4 Saturday in Albany. From all accounts, he is the first athlete in school history to win a state track championship.

Benjamin also qualified for state in the 100-meter dash but a false start in that event Thursday disqualified him from a possible another title.

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“We felt he had a chance to win both,” said Piedmont track coach Rhett Farmer. “We were disappointed in what happened in the 100 event, but to his credit, he didn’t let that bother him. He came back and had a great race in the 200-meter. That’s tough to do and it says something about his character to overcome what he did.”

Benjamin, who also won the region title in both events, said he blocked out what happened in his first race when he went to compete again two days later.

“I was disappointed about the 100-meter, but I knew I still had a chance in the 200 and wanted to focus on that race,” Benjamin said. “Winning the 200 helped make up for what happened in the 100.”
The junior has claimed a state title despite not being able to actually practice on a track.

“He has overcome that with his work ethic,” Farmer said. “He trains a good bit on his own and has worked his tail off to be in this position.”