Golden South: Whitfield Upsets Ernest, Freeman New US#1 In 100 And 200

Golden South Classic
Todd Grasley

Marvin Bracy was unable to perform (due to a shoulder injury) in the boys 100 meter dash, but his cousin Levonte Whitfield represented the family instead. Whitfield ran a personal best 10.31 to edge out undefeated Alabama state champion Aaron Ernest by three one-hundreths of a second.

The girls sprints were dominated by Octavious Freeman. The Lake Wales senior has proved time and again why she is the best in the country and Saturday was no different. Freeman PR'ed in both the 100 and 200 with US#1 times of 11.21 and 22.96, respectively. Her 200 meter time is a new personal best the second fastest all-time in Florida--beating out legendary greats including 2008 Olympic gold medalist Sanya Richards.

Miami Jackson junior Robin Reynolds also was very impressive running the quarter in 54.03. She went sub 54 in the prelims.

Villanova signee Stephanie Schappert won the 800 in a time of 2:12.50 and finished second in the one mile run behind Louisiana's Kaitlyn Flatmann who crossed the line in 4:53.26. Alabama sophomore Carmen Carlos also finished under 5:00 in 4:57.53. In the boys distance events it was Charlotte junior Ryan Schnulle with a narrow win over Pearl, Mississippi's Steve Shoto 1:53.51 to 1:53.95. The mile had a group of seven guys out strong for the first 800 but in the end it was Blake Williams of North Carolina finishing in 4:12.96. The win, combined with his 3:53 1500 which converts to a 4:10 mile, earn him an invitation to the prestigous Dream Mile.

Mulern Jean of Plantation Heat edged out Ashley Favors of Riverview and Kayla Gardner of Westminster for the title in the 100 hurdles. In the college distance, 400 meter hurdles, it was a battle between Georgia star Nnenya Hailey and First Academy senior Ansley Gebben. Hailey posted a faster time in the prelims then Gebben, but Gebben who was running on her home track had that extra incentive in the finals winning by two tenths of a second. 

Impressive field perfomances include Holy Trinity senior Lindsey Enders clearing 12-6 to win the pole vault. Georgia senior Nikita Kirillov showed why he is one of the nation's best pole vaulters clearing 16-05 and attempting to clear 17 feet. Devin Screen of Godby swept the throws winning the discus with a mark of  179-04 and the shot put launching the implement 52-03.75. Mimieux "Mimi" Land of Georgia picked up where she left off at the state championships where she swept the long jump, high jump, and triple. Land took home gold in two of those events, the triple jump and high jump, and placed third in the long jump.

Complete results are posted and added to performance database.

Photos by John Calderon are uploaded.

Video interviews by Todd Grasley are uploaded.

 

Girls National Silver Elites

Boys National Silver Elites