A Good State Finals For Bulldogs

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by RON WEATHERFORD

The ECI Bulldog Track & Field team competed in the state finals in Albany State on May 12-14.

The Bulldogs competed in 6 individual and team events and sent 4 events to the podium. The Bulldogs placed in girls triple jump, boys long jump, girls 4x100 relay and girls 4x200 relay.

Jayna Kearson was seventh in state in triple jump at 35’ 5 ½ “, a newest personal best.

Kobi Allen was sixth in long jump at 20’ 9”.

The girls 4x200 relay team of Kayanna Thompson, Semya Williams, Asia Gibbons and Jamese Budgett placed sixth in state.

The girls 4x100 relay team of Jayna Kearson, Kayanna Thompson, Semya Williams and Jamese Budget got on the podium placing seventh in state. The team was headed for a fourth place finish before another runner crossed into the lane of the leg runner Budgett impeding her run. That team was disqualified after the infraction.

The 4x100 team set a new school record in qualifying heats on Friday with a time of 51.41 seconds.

First year head coach Chris Pye had this to say about his team this season. “I am extremely proud of the way our kids competed at the State Track Meet. Not only the way they fought and competed but also by the way they handled themselves with class and respect on and off the venue. They represented our school and community with pride, just like they always have all year long. Coach Dedra, Coach Fields and Coach Dorene and I have bragged on them all year long about the way they represent themselves, their families and our school.”

Coach Pye also wanted to thank the sponsors for their generosity. “I am very thankful to Advance Metal Components, Durden Bank, Adam Lane at Lane Brothers Auctions and the Bulldog Booster Club for sponsoring our stay in Albany and making sure our kids had a nice place to stay along with meals.”

The Bulldogs are losing 4 seniors this season and will be missed. Kobi Allen, Semya Williams, Antoine Dishmond and Natavus Robertson will leave big shoes to fill next season.

Semya Williams will be continuing her track and field career, signing this week with Brewton Parker College.