Tuesday began the prelims for the AAU National Club Championships at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Track & Field Complex. Athletes from as far as Puerto Rico and Canada came all the way to Orlando to compete in this weeklong event. Throughout the week we'll be highlighting top Florida performers as well as standout races and marks.
In the final race of the day, Miami Garden Express dominated the 17-18 Men's Sprint Medley in true MGX fashion. With Justin Brown, Tyrese Cooper, Jamal Walton and Thomas Burns all on one relay together. Based off what these guys run in their open events, it was evident that the standing record was in jeopardy. The events' record was set in 2014 by Florida's very own, P.H.A.S.T.T (Plantation Heat All Star Track Team) with an impressive time of 3:26.15. The P.H.A.S.T.T. line up consisted of Andre Ewers, Andrew James, Paul Willis and Javon Patterson. That set of four guys was no match for the young men of MGX, who set a new record by a comfortable six seconds, 3:20.46.
The sophomore and junior class of South Florida girls made an impressive showing in the prelims of the 15-16 100m dash. Sophomore, Briana Williams had the fastest semifinal qualifying time with an 11.83. She was just three hundredths off the record set in 2011 by Florida's Comfort Gebor.
Other South Florida qualifiers in the Top 5 were, Morgan Rhett (#2 - 12.04), Zahria Allers (#3- 12.05), and Sherri-Ann Norton (#5- 12.21).
Andreanna Scott, Jermecia Brown, and Destiny Castillo all made it through to the semifinals as well on time.
Some interesting stories emerged within the field events today. Paralympic athlete, Ming Davis competed in the 17-18 year old Men's Javelin. Where he broke his own Paralympic national record by throwing 134ft-4inches (40.94m). Davis scored 2nd overall in the competition.
In the 14 year old Girl's triple jump, new recorder holder and now AAU Club Champion, Jillian Catton traveled all the way from Canada just to compete.
She out-jumped the previous record by 1 and ½ inches, with a mark of 37ft-5.75inches.
Make sure to check back in tomorrow for a recap of Wednesday's events at the AAU National Club Championships.