The Bradwell Institute boys’ track team won its eighth Region 3-AAAAA title last week at the region championship in Statesboro.
The win was the eighth region title in nine years and the third in a row. The Tigers edged out Richmond Hill by just two points and Camden County by five.
The Lady Tigers finished fifth out of 10 teams at the region meet.
Track coach D’Andre Davis said winning the region title was a team effort.
“The boys overcame so much adversity during the season,” he said. “No matter what happened, the team held it together. The boys won every meet this year, except two. They finished second at the Swamp Relays even when they were missing three of their key runners. In April, the team competed in the Beach Run Invitational. Only 10 (local) athletes competed in the invitational. They were two points from the top three. Every school there brought their whole team.”
The coach said the accomplishments were exceptional, considering the team returned only three athletes from last year’s championship team.
He added that several Lady Tigers made it to the finals this week in Atlanta.
“Brianna Johnson finished in the top three in the triple jump,” Davis said. “She was also a part of the 4x400 meter relay team that will be competing in sectionals. McKaylin Darsey is the region champ in the 3200-meter run. She also finished third in the 1600-meter run. Kailey Brough finished third in the 3200.”
The coach said Darsey and Brough will be competing in the sectionals meet.
For the boys, Chris Jackson won the high jump in grand fashion, leaping 6 feet, 10 inches.
“The last guy who exceeded that mark was Larry Henry back in 2008,” Davis said. “That year, Henry was the state champ with a leap of 7 feet.”
The coach said Jackson cleared the bar with room to spare. Jackson is first in the region and tied for first in the state for the high jump.
He also finished second in the 100-meter dash and is the region champ for the 200-meter dash.
“This young man is the anchor of the 4x100m relay team that finished second,” Davis said. “He was also the High Point Award winner.”
The coach said Terrius Crimiel should also be applauded for his work at the meet.
“He is also the heartbeat of the team,” Davis said. “Whether he is healthy or sick, he is always ready to compete. This young man finished second in the triple jump. He finished second in the 110-meter hurdles and is the Region Champ in the 300-meter hurdles. Terrius is an excellent motivator for his teammates.”
Crimiel also finished second in the running for the High Point Award.
Crimiel is also the second leg of the 4x100 relay team that qualified for sectionals.
“Imari Hurte is also a big reason for the team’s success,” Davis added. “He is competing as a freshman. He finished third in the long jump. He is the fourth member of the 4x100-meter relay team. This young man is going to be something special in the years to come. In the mean time, he will compete in his first sectionals meet.”