The 2010 Club Outdoor Track & Field comes to an end (Men's Side)

DeAndre Rankin Of Drive Phase Athletics on a Youth
Long Jump attempt in Norfolk, VA finished 11th overall



The 2010 outdoor season came to an end with Junior Olympic Championships taking place in Sacramento, CA (USATF), and Norfolk, VA (AAU). North Carolina athletes experienced success at both venues. I did not attend the USATF Junior Olympics in California, but the athletes that competed in Norfolk, VA had to contend with headwinds that ranged from -1.5 to -3.1 on finals day. In the young men's division David Shaw ranked 11th in the country of Sandhills Track Club took 2nd place in the USATF with a Triple Jump of 48'3.75". Jarrett Samuels of Track Eastern ranked 1st in the country won the gold in the long jump with a 24'4.5" attempt. Josh McClam of the Carolina All-Stars ranked 4th in the country took the silver at the USA Young Men's Long Jump with a 24'1" attempt. Cameron McCrae of the High Point Panthers ranked 17th in the country took 3rd place in the AAU with a throw of 56'6.25". Osvaldo Hernandez (168'10") also of the Panthers came in 4th place in the Javelin where he's ranked 19th in the country.

Tavis Bailey of the Salisbury Speedsters ranked 2nd in the country won the Gold Medal in the Discus with a throw of 191'2". Eric Winfray of the Fayettville Flyers ranked 3rd in the country took 2nd place in the USA 400M with a time of 47.29. Sean McLean ranked 10th in the country of the Carolina Eagles won the USA Young Men's 200M with a time of 21.40. William Heriot ranked 3rd in the country of the Greensboro Pacesetters took 2nd place in the USA Young Men's 200M with a time of 21.46. Kendall Kee of the Gastonia Eagles ranked 6th in the country came in 4th place in the AAU Young Men's 100M with a time of 10.83; he also finished in 6th place in the 200M with a time of 22.27. Daishion Barger (14.56) of the Salisbury Speedsters ranked 9th in the country finished 6th at the AAU 110M Hurdles. In the Young Men's AAU 4x100 the High Point Panthers ranked 19th made up of Daniel Greer, Desmond Stearns, Jeffrey Hendricks, and James Johnson took the Gold with a time of 41.77. While at the USATF the Track Eastern Young Mens ranked 2nd in the country consisting of Jarrett Samuels, Burkheart Ellis, Markeo Jones, and Claytin Lewis took 4th place with a time of 41.15. In the 4x400 the Track Eastern Young Men's relay team ranked 1st in the country won the USA in Sacramento with a time of 3.13. Kevin Bennert (15.01.08) of Track Eastern took the Bronze in the USATF Young Men's 5000 Meter.

In the Intermediate Division Jaylon Holt of the Carolina All-Stars ranked 23rd in the country took 5th place in the USA Triple Jump with a 43'9.25" attempt; and he tied for 4th in the High Jump where he's ranked 3rd in the country with a 6'4.75" attempt. Dyron Jones of the Durham Striders ranked 6th in the country took 3rd place in the Long Jump with a 22'6.5" attempt. Jalen Peterkin ranked 12th in the country finished in 5th place with a throw of 48'5.25" toss. Xavier Jones of the Greensboro Champions ranked 18th in the country took 4th place in the USA 400M with a time of 49.12. Cameron Hudson ranked 29th in the country of Quiet Storm came in 2nd in the AAU with a time of 22.13. Tevin Hester of the Greensboro Champions ranked 5th in the country came in 4th place at the USA Intermediate 200M with a time of 21.59; and he also finished in 3rd place in the 100M with a time of 10.74 where he's ranked 9th in the country. Warren Marshall (10.78) of Carolina Elite finished in 4th place where he's ranked 7th in the country. Thomas Jones of the Durham Striders came in 7th place in the intermediate 110M hurdles with a time of 15.50 where he's ranked 23rd in the country. Erin Jenkins of Track Eastern ranked 8th in the country finished in 4th place in the USATF 400M Hurdles with a time of 55.35.

In the youth division Bryce Love of Carolina Elite ranked #1 in the country won the gold medal at the USA with a time of 48.87. Love also took the silver medal in the 200M with a time of 22.52 where he's ranked 2nd in the country. Jamaree Murray (51.51) of the Carolina All-Stars finished in 5th place in Sacramento.In the 800M sub-youth division in Norfolk, VA Miles Cabean of the Tri-City Relays finished in 7th place. Raekwon Johnson (11.47) ranked 4th in the country of the Greeneville Jets finished in 6th place in the Youth Division in AAU. Isaiah Moore ranked 3rd in the country of the Durham Striders won the High Jump in the USATF youth division with a jump of 5'10.7.5". Noah Lyles of the University City Youth Niners Track Club finished in 6th place in the AAU High Jump with a 5'2" attempt. Elijah Mallory of Carolina Elite ranked 5th in the country finished in 2nd Place in the USATF Youth Shot Put with a throw of 51'10", and he took 7th in the Discus with a throw of 153'3"where he's ranked 17th in the country. Myron Stout of the Salisbury Speedsters won a bronze medal at the AAU with a Discus throw of 158'10". In the 100M Hurdles where he's ranked 1st in the country; Nyheim Miller of the Carolina Elite took the Bronze in the USATF in a time of 13.76. Isaiah Moore of the Durham Striders finished in 2nd place in the 100M Hurdles with a time of 13.46.

William Wicks of the Fayettville Flyers took the gold in Sacramento by winning the Midget 800M with a time of 2.10.83. Nicholas Torian (58.81) running unattached came in 3rd place in the AAU Sub-Midget 400M. Isaac Johnson of the Charlotte Gliders ranked 7th in the country finished 4th in the AAU Midget 80M Hurdles with a time of 12.65. Brent Carroll finished in 7th place. Rickey Smith of the Carolina Storm took the silver medal in the Discus with a throw of 97'10; Chetney Taylor of the High Point Panthers finished in 6th place with a throw of 91'2". Smith and Taylor went 1-2 in the Shot Put with throws of 47'10.5"and 46'10.75". Tyson Fortenberry (39'2.25")of the Gastonia Eagles finished in 7th place. In the Bantam division Nolan Johnson finished in 5th place overall in the AAU Bantam 400M with a time of 1.03.15. Workhorse Coleman Mitchell of Triangle Champions competed at both Junior Olympic Events. He finished in 7th place in the USA 400M with a time of 1.05.41, and 8th place in the AAU 400M with a time of 1.03.75. Mitchell took the Silver in the AAU 800M with a time of 2.27.71. At the USATF 800M Coleman Mitchell took the Bronze in a time of 2.21.35; and lastly he took the Bronze in the AAU 1500M with a time of 4.59.12.Jacques Johnson of the Greenville Jets ranked 18th in the country finished in 6th place in the AAU 100M with a time of 13.81. Jason Grant finished at the AAU 400 in 4th place with a throw of 26'4" in the Shot Put. Andrew Burgess of the Salisbury Speedsters ranked 17th in the country came in 4th place in the AAU 800M with a time of 2.29.48. In the Sub-Bantam AAU Khafre Brown of the Charlotte Flight medaled in the 100M & 200M by finishing in 5th place with times of 14.15, & 28.73. Micah Crowell (30.70) of Piedmont Athletic finished in 8th place in the 200M Primary.


North Carolina male athletes competing in open events in AAU, and USATF collectively won 10 Gold Medals, 14 Silver Medals, 13 Bronze Medals, and 47 Medals placing 4th - 8th place. The Carolina males also had 2 Gold Relay teams, 1 Bronze Relay, and two 4th - 8th place finishes. Congratulations to all the athletes, coaches, and the parents that are affiliated with all the organizations that compete in the Carolinas. Pardon me in advance for any athletes, and or organizations that I might have not acknowledged due to AAU not noting the organization.

The Rusell E Blunt East Coast Invitational (Girls Results)

Just as you had in the male division the female athletes that gathered at the Russell E Blunt East Coast Invitational was some of the best that youth track & field has to offer. The various license plates in the parking lots representing states all over the country served as evidence that the Blunt/ECI is the best precursor for athletes that are going on to perform at both Junior Olympic venues in Sacramento, CA, and Norfolk, VA. In the young women's division you had Ebony Scott of Track Eastern ranked 7th in the country win the 100M with a time of 11.97; teammate Bryanna Wyatt (12.12) finished in 3rd place. Breanna Alston of the Greensboro Champions won the 200M with a time of 24.58. Tsheila Mungo (56.60) of the Charlotte Flight finished in 2nd place in the 400M. Sarah Rapp of Track Xplosion won the 3000M with a Blunt/ECI record breaking time of 10.26.59. The Greensboro Blazers consisting of Alston, Kristi Baptiste, Kerrie Davis, and Janise Robinson won the 4x100 with a time of 47 flat. In the field events Alisha Bradshaw of Salisbury Speed won the discus throw with a toss of 140'7', and Sherri Owens of the Durham Striders won the Javelin with a throw of 88'2".



The Intermediate division is a very competitive group that is loaded with talent. One of those standouts Brianna Haith of the Greensboro Champions ranked 8th in the country won the 200M with a time of 24.08. She beat out Durham Strider Aalayah Faulcon (24.67), and High Point Panther Paisley Simmons (24.82). Haith also broke the Blunt/ECI 400M record with a time of 54.92 by beating out Durham Strider Aalayah Faulcon (56.45). In the 100M Alexis Murphy running unattached this week won the 100M in 12.02 edging out Paisley Simmons at 12.09, and Olicia Sharp (12.12) of the Junior Striders. In the hurdles events Mollie Williams of Hurdles First won the 100M with a time of 14.40, and the 400M title was taken by Francesca Evans of the Durham Striders in 1.02.90. In the field events Breanna Warren of the Greensboro Champions took 1st in the Shot Put with a throw of 37'6.5", and she finished 2nd in the Discus with a throw of 112'4". In the Triple Jump Dejah Hayes of the Greensboro Champions won the triple jump with a 36'7.75" attempt, and finished in 2nd place in the Long Jump with a 17'11.50" attempt. Hannah Hensley of the Sandhills Track Club won the High Jump with a a leap of 5'3.75".





In the youth division Qizeah Jackson of the Fayettville Flyers ranked 17th in the country won the 200M in a time of 25.09.; she also took 2nd place in the High Jump with a 4'11.75" attempt. Atlanta Woodall (25.51) of the Durham Striders finished in 3rd place. Jocelyn Culbreath of Piedmont Athletic Club ranked 18th in the country finished in 2nd place in the 400M. Tamilia Bigelow of the Durham Striders ranked 7th in the country won the 200M Hurdles in a time of 27.93. Nyah Miller (28.66) of Carolina Elite ranked 17th in the country finished in 3rd place. Imani Abraham of the Greensboro Blazers took 2nd place in the Discus Throw (101'8"), as well as the Shot Put (40'2"). Ciani Byrom of the Tri-City Relays took 2nd place in the Javelin with a throw of 71'3". In the midget division Khayla Dawson of the Charlotte Flight ranked 6th in the country set a Blunt/ECI record with a 39'4"attempt, she also won the Discus Throw with a 95'4" attempt, and lastly the Javelin with another ECI/Blunt record of 101'8". Chamia Rothwell of the Durham Striders ranked 3rd in the country won the High Jump with a 4'11" attempt, and she came in 2nd place in the 100M with a time of 12.76 where she's ranked 16th in the country. Shellbi Chapman of Hurdles First ranked 7th in the country came in 2nd place in the 80M Hurdles with a time of 12.98.



In the Bantam division Timara Chapman of Hurdles had a victorious weekend by winning the 800M (2.32.38), 1500M (5.28.48), and finishing in 2nd place in the High Jump (3'10.5"). Kelsia Moore of the Durham Striders won the the Long Jump (13'2.25"), and she came in 2nd in the 400M (1.06.77). Paige Hathaway of the Durham Striders came in 3rd in the 800M with a time of

2.36.46, she also finished in 2nd place in the 1500M (5.36.32). Alani Rouse of the Durham Striders won the High Jump with a 4'.5" attempt. Kelis Battle of the Durham Striders took 3rd place in the 100M with a time of 14.00. In the Sub-Bantam division Taylor Robinson of the Durham Striders won the Long Jump with a 10'8.75" attempt. Brooke Mcginley of the Tri-City Relays took 2nd place in the 400M with a time of 1.13.67.

The outdoor track season will culminate over the next two weekends with the USATF Junior Olympic Championships taking place in Sacramento, CA, and the AAU Junior Olympic Championships in Norfolk, VA. The Carolina Track and Field blog covers the accomplishments and exploits of our athletes that participate in North Carolina Club Track and Field in both the AAU, and USATF venues.

The Russell Blunt East Coast Invitational (Boys Results)

As the track season comes to an end with the AAU Junior Olympics in Norfolk, VA, and the USATF Junior Olympic Championships in Sacramento, CA upon us; the Durham Striders hosted the Russell Blunt East Coast Invitational at Duke University this past weekend. This annual event billed as the "Elite Of The East" truly was that as you had some of the most highly rated athletes in youth track & field along the Eastern Seaboard from New Jersey to South Carolina, as well as Bermuda. I always found this event as a true barometer of where your athletes, and your team stood as they were set to do battle at there respective Junior Olympic venues in the coming weeks. In the young men's division you had Jarrett Samuels of Track Eastern ranked 1st in the country in the Long Jump and 14th in the 400M win those respective events with a time of 48.24, and a jump of 24'11". Three North Carolinians captured the top spots in the 200M led by Eric Winfrey ranked 12th in the country (21.57) of the Fayetville Flyers, Kendall Kee (21.63) of the Gastonia Eagles, and Kaleb Johnson (22.02) of the Tri-City Relays. Kee ranked 6th in the country(10.51) also placed in 3rd place in the 100m, along with Donte Shaw (10.49) ranked 5th in the country of Quiet Storm USA who finshed in 2nd place. Two High Point Panthers broke Russell Blunt/ECI records respectively. Cameron Mcrae ranked 12th in the country broke the record in the shot put with a throw of 56'2.5", and Osvaldo Hernandez ranked 16th in the country broke his record with a 173'7" Javelin throw. One week prior, Hernandez took the Silver Medal at the ESPN Rise Games/AAU Club Championships in Orlando, Fl in the Javelin with a throw of 173'.

In the Intermediate division Tevin Hester of the Greensboro Champions ranked 5th in the country captured Gold with a time of 10.77. Daquan Smalls of Track Eastern ranked 19th in the country won the 200M with a time of 22.09. James Drummond (22.56) of the Salisbury Speedsters finished in 3rd place. The 400M final boasted 4 of the top in the country led by Champ Page of Track Express ranked 4th out of Maryland who won with a time of 48.90. Smalls (49.55) ranked 25th finished 2nd followed by Xavier Jones of the Greensboro Champions ranked 13th who took 4th (50.50), and Barry Harris (50.64) of the High Point Panthers ranked 20th finishing in 6th . Andrew Thompson of the High Point Heat won the 1500M with a time of 4.19.02. In the youth division Myquon Stout of the Carolina Storm won the shot put with record breaking throw of 51' 8.25", and took 3rd in the Discus with a 137'7" throw. Elijah Mallory of the Carolina Elite won the Discus with a throw of 150'3", and finished 2nd in the shot put with a throw of 47'9.75" . Nyheim Miller of the Carolina Elite won the 100M with a time of 13.26. Isaiah Moore (25.77) of the Durham Striders took 1st place in the 200M hurdles beating teammate Jeremy Griffis (26.33). Griffis won the 400M with a time of 52.64.

Ricky Smith of the Carolina Storm ranked 2nd in the country took 1st place in the Discus with a Blunt/ECI record breaking throw of 107'8"; coming in 2nd place was Tyson Fortenberry (100'3") of the Gastonia Eagles ranked 10th in the country, and Chetney Taylor of the High Point Panthers ranked 16th in the country finished in 3rd place. Smith also won the shot put where he is ranked 2nd in the country with a throw of 44'2.5" edging out Taylor (42') who is ranked 4th in the country. Jaquis Torain running this week with the Carolina elite won the 800M with a time of 2.23.78. Tyrese Allen of Sandhills Track Club won the long jump with a winning attempt of 16'4.25"; he edged out Roman Barnette (16'.25") of Assistant Coach.

In the bantam division Nolan Johnson of the High Point Panthers ranked 20th in the country won the 400M in a time of 1.03.15. Johnson (13'11.75") also won the long jump edging out AAU Region 5 winner Jailen Williams of the Carolina Storm. Johnson was coming off a successful week at the ESPN Rise/AAU Club Nationals where he captured the silver medal in the 400M where he ran a time of 1.02.94, he also captured a bronze medal in the long jump, and lastly he captured the silver medal in the multis with a record breaking performance which left him third in the country. Reginald Wiggins of the Durham Striders swept the 100M edging out Angel Rivera (13.75) of the Charlotte Panthers, and 200M where he beat Rivera once again with times of 13.69, and 27.55. Andrew Burgess of the Salisbury Speedsters swept the 800M, and the 1500M with times of 2.30.78, and 5.10.52.

The action resumes with the USATF Junior Olympic Championships in Sacramento, CA; and culminates with the AAU Junior Olympics in Norfolk, VA.

The Heat Was At The Region 3 JO Champonships at NC A&T (Part 2 Girls)

I would be remiss not to acknowledge the results of the female athletes that participated at Region 3 USATF Regional Championships in Greensboro, NC at North Carolina A & T State University. The Young Women's division boasted some of highest ranked athletes by Elite Youth in the country. Dominique Weathers of Track Eastern ranked 11th in the country won the young women's 200M with a time of 24.26. Marisa Bellamy ranked 8th in the country of the Durham Striders finished 2nd in the young women's 400M with a time of 54.56. Deanna Poshee of Track Eastern took the young women's 1500M with a time of 4.45.23. Kendra Harrison of the Carolina Eagles swept the young women's 100M, and 400M hurdles with times of 13.86, and 59.08 respectively. Sarah Graham of the Junior Striders took 1st place in the young women's high jump with a winning jump of 5'8". Sherri Owens of the Durham Striders won the young women's javelin with a throw of 87'

The Intermediate division had Briana Haith of the Greensboro Champions sweep both the Intermediate 200M where she's ranked 12th in the country, and the 400M where she's ranked 13th with times of 24.38, and 55.82 respectively. Alexis Murphy ranked 5th in the country of the Triangle Champions won the 100M with a time of 11.99. Aalaya Faulcon of the Durham Striders ranked 11th in the country won the 400m with a time of 55.36. Francesca Evans also from the Durham Striders won the 400M hurdles in a time of 1.01.64, she also finished in 2nd in the triple jump with a 37'.25" jump. The Junior Striders Intermediate 4x100 team consisting of Jden Williams, Ariah Graham, Tiana Patillo, and Olicia Sharp won with a time of 47.05. The Durham Striders Intermediate 4x400 team consisting of Francesca Evans, Charity Shaw, Rodaijah Faucette, and Aalayah Faulcon took 1st place with a time of 3.50.63. Dejah Hayes of the Greensboro Champions took 2nd in the long jump with a jump of 17'8.25". Breanna Warren also of the Greensboro Champions took 1st place in the Shot Put with a throw of 38', and came in 2nd place in the discus with a throw of 114'4".


In the youth division Alexandria Council of the Triangle Champions ranked 8th in the country won the 100M in a time of 12.20. Council also finished 1st in the long jump with a winning attempt of 16'5"; finishing second was teammate Kelsey Perry. Nyah Miller of the Carolina Elite won the 100M hurdles in a time of 15.59; Miller also finished 2nd in the triple jump with an attempt of 34'1.5". Eliza Dekker of the Durham Striders swept the youth distance events by winning the 1500M, and the 3000M with times of 4.57.31, and 10.48.93 respectively. Tamilia Bigelow of the Durham Striders finished 2nd in the 200M hurdles with a time of 28.83. Bigelow also joined teammates Brenee Brown, Jordyn Brown, and Atlanta Woodall in winning the 4x100 with a time of 48.22. Jordyn Brown also took 1st place in the high jump with a 5'1.75" attempt.

In the midget division Chamia Rothwell of the Durham Striders ranked 13th in the country won the 100M with time of 12.91, and the high jump with a winning attempt of 4'9.75". Eboni Roberson of the Carolina Eagles finished 1st in the 1500M (5.21.73), and 2nd in the 800M (2.33.47). Khayla Dawson of the Charlotte Flight finished 1st in the Shot Put with athrow of 32'10.75", 2nd in the discus with a 88' throw, and 2nd in the Javelin with a 94'9" attempt. Halee Enderle of the Junior Striders won the 3000M with a time of 12.01.68. Kenyae Austin of the Durham Striders won the long jump with a winning attempt of 14'5.25". Melicia Mouzon of the Carolina Eagles took 2nd in the Bantam 200M with a time of 28.75. Kelsia Moore of the Durham Striders finished 2nd in the long jump with a 13'8.75" attempt. In the sub-bantam division Jade Demps of the Carolina Eagles finished 2nd in the long jump with a 10'3" attempt. Lia Love of the Carolina Elite finished 3rd with a jump of 9'9". The Durham Striders 4x100 team consisting of Jaanasia Edwards, Akoya Penny-Campbell, Taylor Robinson, and Amyah Ingram won the 4x100 with a time of 1.03.01.

Congratulations to all the athletes, coaches, and teams that have qualified for the Junior Olympics in Sacramento, Ca. The action resumed last weekend as some athletes from the Carolinas traveled to the ESPN Rise Games/AAU Club Championships at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports, and the 1st annual foothills classic in Hickory, NC being hosted by Drive Phase Athletics.

The Heat Was At The Region 3 JO Championships At NC A & T (Part 1 Boys)

The heat was on at the Region 3 USATF JO Championships at North Carolina A & T State University. I will go on record to say that all the athletes that qualified out of this region 3 will be battle tested and ready to compete nationally at the Junior Olympics in Sacramento, CA. Some of the more noteworthy performances were Broderick Smoddy of Ruff Riders Track Club out of Albany,GA winning both the Young Men's 100M & 200M with times of 10.60, and 21.40 respectively. The Intermediate division boasted a strong contingent of sprinters led by Keith Marshall of Carolina Elite who won the 100M with a time of 10.71 edging out Tevin Hester (10.74) of the Greensboro Champions. Ronald Darby (21.48) of the 747 Track Club out of Maryland took the 200M by edging out Hester (21.76). Champ Page (48.4) of Track Express out of Upper Marlboro, MD edged out Xavier Jones (49.10) of the Greensboro Champions. Cameron Thornton of the Titans Track Club out of Marietta, GA won both the 800M, and the 1500M with a region 3 tying record of 1.55.47 in the 800M and 4.11.67 in the 1500M. Erin Jenkins of Track Eastern won the 400M Hurdles with a time of 55.34.

In the youth division Bryce Love of the Carolina Elite Track Club won the 200M in 22.32, and the 400M with a region 3 record time of 48.90. Nyheim Miller also of Carolina Elite swept the 100M, and 200M Hurdles with times of 13.63, and 25.53. Jedrek Higgins of New Horizon out of Decatur, GA swept both the Youth 800M, and the 1500M with times of 2.08.70 and 4.27.32. Kellon Taylor (13.16) of Track Express won the youth 80M Hurdles by edging out Kearis Jackson (13.16) of Peach Valley Track Club. William Hicks of the Fayetville Flyers won the 800M, and the 1500M with times of 2.15.42, and 4.26.76. Tyler Green of the Titans TC won the midget 400m with a time of 57.42 beating Jalen Hill (58.15) of the Charlotte Flight. Javon Jones (25.20) of Team Vo won the midget 200m over Dylan Peebles (25.51) of the Carolina Elite. Anthony McFarland of Track Express won the midget 100M with a time of 11.97. In the Bantam division Mitchell Coleman of the Triangle Champions swept the Bantam 400M, 800M, and the 1500M with times of 1.02.61, 2.28.19, and 5.00.77. Jacques Johnson of the Greenville Jets won the Bantam 100M in 13.31. Jatavious Harris of the Baldwin jets won the 200M with a time of 27.81. In the Sub-Bantam Jadae Heath of Boys & Girls won both the 200M (30.64),and the 400M (1.08.04). Brian Williams of Carolina won the Sub-Bantam 100M with a time of 14.41.

The track & field action resumes this weekend as some teams and athletes are in Orlando, FL for the AAU Club Championships / ESPN Rise Games. You also have the 1st annual Foothills Classic being hosted by Drive Phase Athletics out of Hickory, NC. Carolina Track & Field is a blog that focuses on the achievements and exploits of our youth athletes here in North Carolina that participate in both the AAU, and USATF sanctioning bodies.

As a coach of an AAU team this track season I have witnessed an intense weekly competition among the teams and its athletes. As I was putting this week's entry together and surveying the stats I decided to view the results of the NC USATF Junior Olympics this past weekend. After viewing the results it reaffirmed my belief that North Carolina is home to some of the most talented youth athletes in
Track & Field. For instance in the Young Men's 100M at the AAU National Qualifier you had Kendall Kee (10.73) of the Gastonia Eagles (7th New Balance Nationals) edging out Kaleb Johnson (10.93) of the Tri-City Relays, and Daniel Greer of the High Point Panthers (10.95). The USATF 100M final was even more impressive with Sean Mclean of the Carolina Eagles winning with a time of 10.6 followed by Donte Shaw, and Anthony Bynum of Track Eastern. In the 200M at Greensboro you had 5 athletes run 21 second times in the final led by Mclean of the Eagles. In the 400M Demari Boswell (49.04) won the AAU event; up in Greensboro you had Denzel Brown (48.48)of Track Xplosion edging out Burkheart Ellis (48.69) of Track Eastern. The Track Eastern trio Tadarrin Phronebarger (1.56.16), Raphael Rojas (1.57.31), and Cameron Tate (1.58.97) took the top three places in the 800M.

In the Intermediate division Barry Harris (49.43)won the 400M in Charlotte, while in Greensboro Xavier Jones of the Greensboro Champions won the 400M (49.37) in Charlotte. Hopefully we can see these two sprinters battle against one another in a 400M final. In Charlotte James Drummond (22.37) of the Salisbury Speedsters won the 200M. While at A&T you had Daquan Smalls (22.12) of Track Eastern edge out two Greensboro Champion teammates Xavier Jones(22.25), and Tevin Hester (22.31)in the 200M. Keith Marshall (10.82) of Carolina Elite edged out Tevin Hester (10.91) in the 100M at the NC USATF in Greensboro. Jordan Jackson (58.90) of the Heat Track Club out of Georgia won the 400M hurdles in AAU while Erin Jenkins (59.69) of Track Eastern took the 400M hurdles in USATF. Jaylon Holt of the Carolina All-Stars won the Intermediate High Jump with an impressive 6'4"attempt in Greensboro. Raekwon Johnson of the Greenville Jets won in impressive fashion in the AAU 100M with a time of 11.27, and the 200M (23.30) in the youth division. 2009 USATF athlete of the year Bryce Love of Carolina Elite won the Youth 200M & 400M with times of 22.62, and 49.47 in Greensboro. Jeremy Griffs of the Durham Striders won the youth 100m with a time of 11.63.

In the midget division in Greensboro Dylan Peebles (12.79) of Carolina Elite won the 100M, and 200M with a time of 25.73. Jonathan Spencer (59.24) of Track Xplosion won the 400M by edging out Sierra Hendrix-Williams of The Heat Track Club and teammate Trevon Mcarn (59.48) in Charlotte. In the AAU Sub-Youth Alex Barrow of Tri-City Relays(12.20,25.02) won the 100M and the 200M by edging out Myles Breedlove of the Charlotte Heat (25.03). Miles Cabean (2.16.25,4.43.27) of the Tri-City Relays won the Sub-Youth 800M, and took 2nd in the 1500M losing to Vincent Crisp (4.42.74). In the Bantam Boys Jacques Johnson of the Greenville Jets (13.57) won the 100M edging out Angel Rivera of the Charlotte Panthers(13.64), and teammate Jamie Elrod (13.80). Rivera was able to come back by winning the 200M with a pr of 27.76 edging out long times nemesis Nolan Johnson of the High Point Panthers (28.05) and Elrod of the Greenville Jets (28.10). Johnson came back and took the 400M with a season best 1.03.03. In Charlotte Coleman Mitchell of the Triangle Champions took the Bantam 400M, 800M, and the 1500M with times of (1.04.16, 2.28.85, & 5.04.66). Khafre Brown running unattached swept the 100M, and 200M in the Sub-Bantam with times of 13.67, and 28.18. Older brother Dyami Brown (13.48,27.63) would have duplicated the same feat if not for a misstep near the end of the 200 which had him finishing second to Aapri Washington (27.58) of the Gastonia Eagles.

Congratulations should go out to all the athletes who qualified for the AAU Junior Olympics in Norfolk,VA, and the USATF Regional in Greensboro, NC. In addition Tri-City Relays won as a team in the AAU State and Regional levels. For any athlete I did not get to acknowledge, please accept my sincere apology. The action takes a break for the most part in North Carolina this week as we celebrate out nation's independence.

The 2010 North Carolina AAU District Qualifier

The heat was on display both literally and figuratively as the NCAAU District Qualifier more fondly known as the State Championships took place in Charlotte, NC at Country Day High School. As temperatures hovered in the mid 90's, the athletes turned in some "hot" performances as well. Alexis Murphy (12.17) of the Triangle Champions edged out High Point Panther Paisley Simmons (12.20) in the Intermediate 100m. In the 200m Tyler Brockington (24.53) of the Greensboro Blazers edged out Simmons (24.92) Over the last two seasons, Paisley had maintained a stranglehold on both the 100m and 200m until this past weekend. The victories by Brockington and Murphy is indicative of the level of talent in North Carolina in terms of sprinters. In the young women's division Gabrielle Gray (12.08) of the High Point Heat beat Sarah Justice (12.26) in the 100m. These athletes are entering their senior years and would be welcome additions on a lot of college campuses in 2011.

Demari Boswell of the Greensboro Blazers turned in a very strong performance in the Young Men's division by winning both the 200m and 400m with winning times of 21.88 and 48.78. Boswell is building up quite a resume on the track side for college coaches. Daniel Greer of the High Point Panthers battling an illness this weekend that saw him barely make it into the final with the last spot, came back on Sunday by winning the 100m with a time of 11.19. Zack Pollard (11.71) continued his strong season with a 1st place finish in the 100m and a 2nd place finish in the 200m where he was beat by Dontae Thomas-Williams (23.74) of the Triangle Champions. James Drummond took home the gold in the Intermediate 100m and 200m by edging out Jordan Brown of the Charlotte Panthers.

Nicholas (Jaquis) Torian continued his solid season by winning both the Sub-Midget 400m and 800m with times of 1.01, and 2.33 respectively. Nolan Johnson of the High Point Panthers won the 200m (28.28) edging out a game Angel Rivera (28.45) of the Charlotte Panthers. He also took the gold in the 400m with a time of 1.03 beating Coleman Mitchell of the Triangle Champions. Mitchell did take home gold medals in the 800m and the 1500m with times of 2.29 and 5:00 respectively. Johnson won the long jump with a distance of 13'11" edging out Jailen Williams (13'10") of the Carolina Storm on is his last jump. Rivera did take home the gold in the Bantam 100m with a time of 13.97. The talented Brown brothers took home three gold medals. Khafre won the sub-bantam 100m (13.90) and 200m (28.22)and older brother Dyami won the sub-midget 100m (13.62)

Mia Little of the High Point Panthers edged out Jaleesa Smoot of the Salisbury Speedsters in this competition between the two that goes back for years. She was able to pull out victories in both the 100m, and 200m by edging out Smoot in times of 12.64 to 12.93, and 26.26 to 26.33. Little also won the Long Jump with a distance of 16'1.5" edging out Makalia Roberts of the Tri-City Relays. Roberts did take home gold in the High Jump with a height of 4'8".

The Intermediate Girls 4x100 was won by the Greensboro Blazers consisting of Achsah Brice, Tyler Brockington, Arriana Covington, and Daijia Ervin who beat a tough High Point Panther Team that medaled in the 2009 Youth USATF junior olympics anchored by Paisley Simmons, Kayla Williams, Shemiah Brooks, and Hunter Roberts. The High Point Panther sub-midget girls continued their winning ways in the 4x100 with a gold medal. This team is anchored by Mikail Franklin, Destiny Randleman, Dmiya Mcqueen, and Cajazzlyn Hairston-Waller. The High Point Panther midget girls Randleman, Hairston-Waller, Kendi Harris, and Peighton Simmons also took the Gold in the 4x400m.

In the field events, some noteworthy achievements were turned in by 4A State Champion as a sophomore High Point Panther Shemiah Brooks taking the gold in the Intermediate Triple Jump, High Point Panther Desmond Stearns in the Young Men's Long Jump, Cameron Mcrae in the Young Men's Shot Put with a throw of 54'4.75" a personal best. Tri City Relays took home the team title followed by the Triangle Champions, and the High Point Panthers. Too all the athletes who's accomplishments were not sighted please accept my apologies.

The action resumes this weekend at the Jim Law Invitational hosted by the Charlotte Flights at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Traditionally this has been a very competitive meet in honor of Dr. Jim Law, most notably a pioneer in Senior Health, Senior Fitness, and Senior Track & Field. Additionally the New Balance Nationals formerly known as the Nike Outdoor nationals will be held at North Carolina A & T State University. This event brings some of most talented track & field athletes in the country to the Triad. The action kicks off on Thursday June 17Th through Saturday June 19Th.