The Running Rams encountered the highest level of competition yet on March 16th at the invite only Homewood Invitational. The best of the best competed and Francis Marion was the only school smaller than 4A to attend. Unfortunately, due to Spring Break, some key athletes for the Rams were also unable to partake. The Running Rams did not make any noteworthy placements as a team or as individuals, but many individuals defeated their own personal records. Antasia Moore went from jumping 4’2” in high jump to clearing 4’8”. Ke’Lashia Shelton in only one week of practicing for the high jump cleared 4’6”. Tracianna Moore and Elanna Lewis both lowered their 100m hurdles time. Jeremiah Kynard and Shamiriyah Perkins both improved on their 400m times. Jadarius Carlisle ran under 6 minutes in the 1600m. David Dallas and Akevion Rollins out threw their previous discus marks. Jakyrria Bradford improved to 57’1” in the javelin that is almost the standard required to make state. Jeremiah Kynard improved by a foot in the long jump to make him competitive to qualify for state in that event now. Akevion Rollins and Johnny Hudson improved their shot-put distance by a couple feet. Johnny’s 46’6” throw puts him as the 2A leader by over two feet. Jakashia Woods raised the bar for her own personal best triple jump.
Despite not having any medals to bring home, the Running Rams athletes and their coach were all very proud of their performance. Every race that is not sectionals and state are simply trial runs/hard practices in preparation for sectionals and state.
The team uses these other races to identify who are the best three in each event for sectionals, who pairs together best for relay teams, better understand how the race timelines work that can be hectic at times, and fine tune skills like relay handoffs, jumps, and throws.
It even gives athletes the opportunity to learn from athletes at other schools that may have tips or techniques that can help them better themselves. That’s one of the beautiful aspects of track meets. Athletes get to meet other athletes from schools all around and build relationships that can lead to more long-term friendships if they end up competing together in college or even just attending the same college as students.
