The West Tallahatchie High School boys track team has posted what is believed to be the unit’s best-ever showing at a state meet, finishing runner-up at Monday’s Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 1A Track and Field State Championships, held at the Woody Barnett Track and Field Complex at Pearl High School.
The West Tally Choctaws scored 59.50 points to finish second to Calhoun City High School, which took the championship with 74 points. A year ago, the WTHS boys were fourth at state — their best placement in many years.
While the male Choctaws have never captured a state title in track and field, the Lady Choctaws have won three state championships in the sport — back-to-back crowns in 1997 and 1998, and another in 2001, all in Class 2A.
This year’s Lady Chocs placed 12th among a field of 33.
Overall, West Tallahatchie athletes brought home one gold, three silver and two bronze medals from competition
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The following West Tallahatchie boys finished first, second or third in their respective events to earn a spot on the winner’s podium at the state meet:
» Triple jump: Jayden Sample, first place, 44-00.00
» 1600-meter run: Michael Bailey, second place, 5:11.55
» 3200-meter run: Michael Bailey, second place, 11:32.28
» Shot put: Cameron Christian, second place, 42-07.00
» Long jump: Jayden Sample, third place, 21-04.50
» High jump: Ronnie Franklin, third place, 5-10.00
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West Tallahatchie’s girls earned a spot on the winner’s podium in one event:
» 4x100 meter relay: Kydresha Washington, Khanasia Harris, Kyneesha Washington and Tanyla Washington, third place, 52.32
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The following WTHS boys also competed at the state meet:
» 4x100 meter relay: Althaveon Hoskins, Jamerius Johnson, Rederrious Stapleton and Jayden Simmons, fourth place, 44.72
» 800-meter run: Michael Bailey, fourth place, 2:10.08
» 100-meter dash: Jamerius Johnson, sixth place, 11.53
» 4x400 meter relay: Isiah Hill, Zechariah Reed, Ladesmond Thomas and Jeremiah Tanna, eighth place, 4:02.02
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The following WTHS girls also competed at the state meet:
» 4x200 meter relay: Kyneesha Washington, Khanasia Harris, Zi’Lynn Harris and Jada Spurlock, fourth place, 1:52.51
» 4x400 meter relay: America Walker, Akira Outlaw, Shankeria Byrd-Harris and Paisley Simmons, fifth place, 4:46.70
» 200-meter dash: Tanyla Washington, fifth place, 28.26
