Five Hills Track & Field Club

AS REPORTED BY THE COPPERAS COVE LEADER - PRESS AND KILLEEN DAILY HERALD Season Open with a Flash Amidst the track side 105 degree scorching heat of Saturday, the Five Hills Track & Field Club ventured down to Round Rock McNeil High School to add a little heat to its competition. Steffin McCarter (8) impacted the track meet immediately by sprinting the fastest 100m in the nation for his age division in the last five years. He eclipsed the national record by 0.81 in a blazing time of 13.05 seconds. His efforts were at least 6 seconds faster than his nearest competitor. Steffin dominated his Primary Boys Division (6-8 years old) by also winning the Long Jump in a soaring 13 feet, 6 inches, which was one inch off the national record. Coach Griffin put him in the 400m as a personal challenge of strength and endurance. Steffin cruised to a 1:17.72 victory. Kelsey (Roxy) Sloan came out firing on all cylinders running the Sub Youth Girls 3000m in 11: 50.01. Not only did she win her division, but she eclipsed her personal best by nearly three minutes. Her hard work proved to be more than a challenge for her competition. She grew stronger and strong each lap, and her pace made many concede in their efforts. Byron Hayes (8) debut as a Jack Rabbits was golden as he tossed the shot put 10’ 8” to start his competitive season. Dewayne Brown (11) put together a technical sound 100m Dash for 1st place in the Sub Midget Boys (11 years old) by torching the track in 14.18 seconds for his debut as a Jack Rabbit. Desha Smith (11) was in a dog fight in the Sub Midget Girls (11 years old) but held strong to her form to win the 100m Dash in an energetic 14.13 seconds. Khadija Stuckey (11) is one of many Jack Rabbits making their debut on the AAU Track Circuit. She quickly established herself as a force by winning the Sub Midget Girls Shot Put with a 23’5” effort. She then laced up her track spikes to separate herself from the field of hurdles. She came out strong and maintained her form to win the 80m Hurdles in 14.17 seconds. Jasmine Gibson (13) challenged herself in the 100m Hurdles by attacking the first hurdle and the nine in her way to win the Sub Youth Girls 100m Hurdles in an excellent time of 17.18 seconds. Tra Onna Shedrick (13) came out throwing in her debut by tossing the Shot Put 23’ for first, and using her gift of her long legs to out accelerate all Sub Youth Girls in the 100m in a personal best time of 13.80 seconds. Brandin Byrd (13) calmed his mother by exhibiting great form, poise, and a win in the Sub-Youth Boys Division leading 12.20 seconds. Blakely Johnson (14) is a perfectionist, and her determination proved to be her advantage. She out jumped not only her Youth Girls Division, but all girls at the track meet with a leap of 15’7”. The 100m was her platform to test the waters of an always explosive field of sprinters. She reacted quickly to the gun, generated speed and power quickly separating herself from the field and flew to the finish line in 12.70 seconds. Solomon Williams (14) is quiet off the track, yet fierce in competition. He established his hurdling abilities by walking away from the field in the 100m in a respectable time of 15.58 seconds. The 400m dash proved purpose and value as Solomon used the final 150m to showcase his strength in the extended sprint with a 60 seconds flat time. Casey Stephens (15) performed double duty and double wins in the Intermediate Girls (15 -16 year olds) 100m Hurdles and 100m Dash. She ran a clean to form 15.78 in the hurdles and a blazing 12.98 seconds. Jasmine Clarke (16) and Demetria Pace (15) set the tine for the Mid Distance race by cruising to a one-two finish in 2:25 and 2:30 competitively in the Intermediate girls (15 &16). Robert Griffin, III (15) and Troy Vital (15) fresh off their gridiron Dawg Spring Football campaign ran in a different race than their nobility of the 400m Dash. Robert and Troy ran the 800m finishing 1st and 2nd in the Intermediate Boys with a time of 2:13, and 2:14, respectfully. Dejon Griffin (17) threw a personal best of 39’8” in the Young Women Division (17-18) Shot Put for 1st place. She would later launch the Discus a soaring 119’ to win again. Benita “Workhorse” Jones (17) sprinted to victory in both levels of the Young Women Division Hurdles. She first blew away the field in 14.80 seconds in the 100m hurdles. She then made her debut in the 400m Hurdles with a time of 1:13.01. Jeff Russell debut as a Jack Rabbit was an experience to remember. After being baked by the sun, and finally getting in the starting blocks to make his debut in the 400m Hurdles. He caught the status quo off guard as he ran a very competitive 57.33 seconds race. He was must stronger than he had expected as he pulled away from the field enroute to victory. When asked to assess the Jack Rabbits performance, Coach Griffin intoned, “Our athletes got their first taste of the Texas Heat and their competition. I was very pleased with their approach, determination, and execution. We are truly working hard and their commitment to making healthy choices in their diet will prove vital in attaining our goals.” The Jack Rabbits had numerous 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place finishes. The program is alive and well. Coach Griffin invites the Five Hills Community to come out and visit the athletes train at S. C. Lee Junior High School’s Hanke Stadium.