Track and Field impressive performances at the Class 1A-District 7 meet, individuals continue to 1A region final

The BlueJackets boys and girls track and field teams both had impressive performances Thursday at the Class 1A-District 7 meet, which was held at Out of Door Academy in Sarasota. The boys teams finished in third and the girls team captured second.

Jazmine Alderman, Katie Barnett, and Ashaunti Brown each won two individual events to help pace the girls. Jazmine won the 100 (12.64) and the 200 (26.02). Katie took first in the long jump (16 feet, 10.5 inches) and triple (36 feet, 2 inches). Ashaunti earned first in the shot (38 feet, 2 inches) and discus (125 feet, 3 inches).

“It’s been an incredible year so far and we’re excited to have been able to have as much success as we had last year,” said Jazmine, who started running track for the first time last season.

In doing so, each of them qualified for the region finals in their respective events.

Other female cadets who qualified for regions include Faith Nelms (second in the 100 and 400) and Casey Andrion (second in pole vault).

Alex Gray won two events to help the boys capture a bronze medal. Alex took first in the 100 (10.74) and 200 (21.69).

Alex Oi set a school record with a time of 51.14 seconds in a first place finish in the 400.

“It’s a great feeling because of where I was last year and how far I’ve come as a runner,” said Alex, who also competes on the soccer team. “Coach (Arron) Prather has been a huge help for me improving this year.”

Other male cadets with first place finishes included Cameron Pesola in the pole vault (12 feet), Ashton Taylor in the discus (117 feet, 8 inches) and Sam Baker in the shot (50 feet 9 inches). Ashton also finished third in the shot.

“It was a great day for all of us,” said Sam, who hopes to break 51 feet at the region meet next week.

Hunter McCann (2nd in the 3,200), Keyon Jenkins (2nd in discus and shot) and Dontell Green (3rd in triple) also qualified for regionals.

The 1A region final will be on April 28 at Calvary Christian in Clearwater.