Events to Watch:
Division I Large Boys High Jump
There was a lot of drama at the Section 3 competition a couple of weeks ago. Jett Kinder and Hillsboro's Jaden Halliburton both cleared 6'8" but Jett elected to pass on 6'10" with the chance that if Jaden missed at 6'10" he would win on previous misses. Jaden cleared 6'10" and both took attempts at 7' but neither cleared. With Jett looking to defend this title from last year, I anticipate similar drama and hopefully a few athletes attempting and possibly clearing 7.
Division I Large Girls 1600m
This is the most comprehensive distance race the state meet will have this week. Eight of the top 10 girls in the state rankings will line up in this competition Thursday and if none run the 4x800, we should get all of them competing fresh. From the Midstate, Leigh Walters, Landri Wilcox, Dinah Winders and Breja Hooks look to challenge Hutchins and Neglia of East Tennessee for podium position.
Division I Small Relays
On the girls side the main storyline is can anyone beat any of the East Nashville Magnet foursomes? They are the favorite to sweep all 3 relays and likely will. On the boy's side, the rivalry between Pearl-Cohn and Austin-East will be contested 4 times on Friday and twice as the teams line up as the top 2 seeds. I'm not sure Austin-East has the depth to overcome the points Pearl-Cohn will accumulate in throws but these relays will be pivotal if they hope to.
Division II Boys AA 1600m
After having a bad race at Sectionals in the 800m, Graham Ragsdale will step onto the track just once as individual on Wednesday and if MBA is going to have a shot at the team title, he's going to have to overcome the Brentwood Academy Trio of Matthew McMillan, Matthew Porter, and George Payne. He's seeded 4th but without another race to on the schedule until possibly the 4x400, look for Graham to try to come away with 10 early points for MBA.