Even though the season just began last week, the Swainsboro High School track team has not gone cold. Despite ongoing renovations at Tiger Field, the Tigers have not allowed the situation to slow them down or impact their pursuit of a successful season.
Anyone passing through Swainsboro can see the work being done at Tiger Field, where major upgrades are underway, including a new football surface and improvements to the track complex. While the renovations will benefit the program in the long run, they have temporarily taken away the team’s primary practice facility.
Instead of making excuses, the Tigers have found ways to adapt.
The team has partnered with nearby schools and surrounding counties at times, including holding practices at Metter High School. However, most of their day-to-day work has taken place right on campus, using the front lawn of Swainsboro High School as their practice space. Despite the limitations, the team has remained focused and consistent in their preparation.
That determination showed immediately in their first meet of the season, held March 26 at Jefferson County. Competing against Jefferson County, Thomson, Washington County, Hancock Central, and Wilkinson County, both the Swainsboro boys’ and girls’ teams finished third overall.
Several Tigers delivered standout performances.
Christian Tarver led the way with a first-place finish in the shot put, recording a state-leading mark of 46 feet 11 inches. Shannon Benjamin claimed first in the high jump, while Ja’bios Smith earned first in the triple jump. Zybrionna Ford had a dominant day, placing first in both the 800-meter run and the 1600-meter run.
Young talent also made an impact, as eighth grader Triniti Kennedy placed first in the triple jump and second in the long jump.
Swainsboro continued to show strength across multiple events. Jalaya Freeman placed second in the 100-meter dash, while Nevaeh Hamiel finished second in the 300-meter hurdles. Kali Brown added a second-place finish in the high jump, and Ar’Shonti Greene placed second in the shot put. Marco Danford finished second in the 200-meter dash and third in the 100-meter dash.
The relay teams also contributed heavily to the team’s success. The girls 4x100, 4x200, and 4x400 meter relay teams each earned second-place finishes. The boys 4x100, 4x200, and 4x800 meter relay teams also placed second, while the boys 4x400 meter relay team secured a third-place finish.
Additional top three performances included Paris Spann placing third in the 200-meter dash, Yazz Bell finishing third in the 300-meter hurdles, seventh grader Genesis Reese placing third in the high jump, Destiny Harris placing third in the shot put, Daveyon Douglas finishing third in the 3200-meter run, and Zi’lin Boynton placing third in the triple jump.
Head Coach Dwight Smith praised his team’s effort following the meet.
“Overall, I was pleased with the effort displayed by both teams,” Smith said. “Being without a track to practice on has been challenging this season, but our kids show up every day ready to work, and that is all that I can ask for. I’m extremely proud of their efforts and I look forward to the growth we will make throughout the season.”
Swainsboro will return to action on April 1 at West Laurens, with another meet scheduled there on April 17. The Region Track Meet will be held April 24 in Savannah, followed by Sectionals on May 2 at Bleckley County. The GHSA State Track Meet is set for May 12 at the University of Georgia.
With adversity already testing them early in the season, the Tigers have proven they are more than capable of rising to the challenge.
