Liberty County High School’s track teams are working hard this season, aiming to win Region 3-AAA in April.
The boys coached by Keith McGee and Emery Vickers had a good showing at the Savannah State University meet on Saturday. One of their top athletes is Donny Kates.
At Saturday’s meet, the senior posted personal bests in all of his events — 100m, 200m, triple jump, 4 x 100m relay and 4 x 400m relay.
Kates credits hard work at practice to his success.
“It feels good to post personal bests,” he said. “I’ve never had anyone push me this hard at practice. It definitely makes a difference.”
Vickers, Kendrick Jones and Demetrius Stinson push Kates to his limits.
Another motivator, Kates said, is the film “300”. Kates said the movie inspires him to compete even harder on the track.
McGee said he can see the difference in Kates from last year.
“He has become more mature and is growing up. He’s becoming a man,” McGee said.
Kates’ goal is to advance to the state meet in Jefferson in May. To get there, he said he must continue working hard and pushing himself beyond his limits.

 The girls, coached by Laura Means, also had a good showing at Saturday’s meet.
Senior Jasmine Scott has been a lock for points at every meet. She is undefeated in the discus. Her best throw is 102 feet. Her goal is to win region and advance to state.
Scott credits her success to her improved technique and increased experience.
She is under the tutelage of discus pro Steve White, who has taught her how to spin, release and get the discus in the air.
Scott also throws the shot put, where her personal best is 36 feet.