Rec track and field team competes at state meet in Jefferson
Published 9:03 am Wednesday, May 17, 2023
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This year saw the Bainbridge-Decatur County Rec Authority begin a track and field team, partnering with Heather Smith with Valley Coast Running and Fitness, with Smith taking the lead on the program. In its first year, 40 kids signed up to participate, with several of them qualifying to compete in the state meet in Jefferson over the weekend. Those that earned a spot on the podium were: Regan Parris, placing 2nd in the 8u 100-meter with a time of 16.39, and 3rd in the 8u 200-meter with a time of 34.16; Sophia Smith, placing 6th in the 10u 1600m with a time of 6:46, and 7th in the 10u 800-meter with a time of 3:02; Trent Lawrence placed 7th in the 14u 1600-meter with a time of 6:02; and Alyssa Madge placed 5th in the 14u softball throw with a distance of 92’7”, and 6th in the 14u shot put with a distance of 23’ 1.5”.
When asked if the Rec Authority plans to continue the track and field program, executive director Joel Holmes said, “Yes, absolutely.” According to Holmes, he and Smith have been planning to continue the program into the summer, having all-comers meets, as well as offering adult meets and events, in addition to those for youth. They also aim to start the program earlier next spring.
“I’m grateful for the partnership with Heather Smith and Valley Coast Running,” Holmes said. “We couldn’t have done this program without her, and all the other volunteer coaches that we actually had did a really great job with this program.”
