3A Region 1 Meet Recap: North Florida Schools Are Locked and Loaded for State

• 3A Region 1 Meet Page (Complete Results/Coverage)
• 3A Region 1 Featured Photo Album
• 3A Region 1 Video Interviews By Blaine Thomas

Niceville Throwers Continue Dominant Performances

It did not take long for the party to get started in the field events on Thursday. Niceville's senior discus star, Edward Shelikoff, released an absolute bomb of 193-03 feet to shatter the meet record and to take over the top spot in FL for the discus throw. Shelikoff then proceeded to win the shot put as well with a throw of 51-06 feet, nudging rival Jordan Poole, who threw 50-08 feet. On the girl's side it was senior Skyler Joneson who threw 116-09 feet to win the discus throw. She also finished in second place in the shot put behind Atlantic Coast's Zoe Walker. Niceville's throws coach might be the most valuable assistant coach of the year, as they prepare to bring their arsenal to Bradenton next weekend. 

Creekside Distance Too Much for The Rest of the Field

The boys from Jacksonville arrived in Tallahassee with a goal, and I think it's fair to say they achieved that goal. Creekside was led by their Florida Gator signee, Matt Clark who won the boys 1600 and 3200. Clark won the 1600 in a time of 4:24.31, as his fellow Gator signee teammate Nicholas Deal finished third in a time of 4:25.84. Clark and Deal then went 1-2 in the boys 3200 meter, as Clark raced to a 9:36.83 and Deal finished in 9:37.49. As if that wasn't impressive enough, their teammate, Joseph Storey captured the 800 title as he blazed a 1:54.02. 

Hardy brings the Heat

The versatile junior out of Pensacola Booker T Washington had an impressive and busy outing on Thursday afternoon. Tytavia Hardy began her day at the long jump pit where she won the girls long jump with a mark of 18-04.50. Hardy then moved onto the high jump, where she claimed the gold there to as she jumped 5-05.25 to take her second win of the day. Hardy then moved on to the triple jump where she finished in second as she jumped 38-00.25. As if that wasn't enough, Hardy came back in the 100 hurdles as she finished third and advanced to State with a total of four events. Hardy said, "Yes I'm very tired, but very blessed." Hardy scored 34 points for Pensacola Booker T Washington HS. 

Forbes Shows out in the 400

The senior from Leon High School did not come to play on Thursday afternoon. Forbes coasted to a 48.32 to win the 400 meter prelims. And then the finals came, and its safe to say Forbes did not disappoint. After being overshadowed by Miami superstars like Tyrese Cooper and Jamal Walton, Forbes unleashed a 45.95 to demolish the field. Forbes' time broke the Leon High School 400-meter record, and was just the race that Forbes needed before he faces Cooper next week at State. Cooper hasn't been pushed by anyone in the 400 this year, so you can anticipate this to be a highly talked about matchup come next week. Forbes came back for the 4x400 and lead the Lions to a 3:16.10 and a big win.    

Lincoln Boys Upset 3x State Champions

When it comes to the team titles, it was Lincoln High School who dethroned the host school, to take the 3A Region 1 Title. Chiles High School gave the Trojans a run for their money, but after the dust settled the 3x State Champs had been conquered. Lincoln showed off a balanced attack as their 4x800 team got things started with a big win. And then Marquel Pittman made his presence known, as he swept the 100-meter dash and the 200-meter dash. He also led the Trojans to a 4x100 win, and the Trojans also took second place in the 4x400. On the field side Trejan Huggins won the long jump and Charles Williams took second in the triple jump. When asked about the boy's team's chances at the state meet next weekend, Coach Poole replied, "We have a chance, we have to get it done on that day though." 

Niceville Girls "Put the Icing on the Cake" with a Big Win 

As for the girls' team titles, it was Niceville who brought the team trophy back home to Okaloosa County. The Lady Eagles scored 98 points to claim the team title, with Pine Forest taking the runner up trophy with 74 points. Niceville was paced by their throws and distance squad. It was the senior Abbie Harrelson who won the 1600 and 800 meter finals as she also helped her team win the 4x800 and place fourth in the 4x400. Harrelson has a busy week next week as she will have four events to compete in. She had help from teammate Alexis Sherwin, who finished third in the 800, and provided crucial points for the Eagles. Also on the field side of things, Madalyn Kish won the girl's pole vault to help Joneson score some major points for the Eagles. When asked about the team effort, Coach LaFollette replied, "We scored points in a whole lot of events, and that is something we have been working on to develop a program."