GIRLS WINNER: Robin Reynolds - Junior @ Miami Jackson
Miami Jackson star Robin Reynolds has won seven state titles in just two years. This week at the Miramar Invitational she was at it again winning all four events she competed in. She ran a season best 11.84 in the 100, 24.35 in the 200, a state best 54.21 in the 400, and a season best 18-8.50 in the long jump. Coach Donnell Jackson says her effort this week was, “a state championship performance.”
“It was what we’ve been looking for going into the state qualifying rounds. At this juncture it kind of got us smiling. It was a true test because we had her doing all four events she will do in the state meet and she came through like Secretariat. We feel good.”
It’s only fitting he brings up one of the greatest horses of all time, a true definition of the word work horse. Reynolds he says is there go to girl and the way she performs has an immediate impact on her teammates.
“I have some other good athletes but she is the team. She carries the team, how Robin does,is how well we will do as a team. She was hurt and we kind of faltered a bit because the team looks up to her. Saturday (Miramar Invitational) was our team’s best performance because we had a healthy Robin so they felt good about themselves.”
Ansin Sports Complex the site of the Miramar Invitational is also where Reynolds started her first round of districts as a ninth grader, the beginning of a path that has led her to seven state titles. Jacksons says that the 13 state titles won by Julian Reynolds (no relation) from 1990-1995 is definitely a mark she can surpass.
“I think if Robin stays healthy that goal of 15, four her junior and four her senior year, is within her grabs. I see her going to the University of Florida and being on a couple Olympic teams down the road."
Over the past two years Coach Jackson has seen sides of Robin Reynolds many have not. He has seen her in her best performances, in times of pain, happy, and sad.
“Even through all that when Robin hits the track everything closes up. The only thing that’s happening is that event. When it’s over she’s dancing around and playing around, but when it comes time to business she’s like that person that puts on a suit and tie and says let’s have the board meeting, sits down, and gets things accomplished.”
