Three local track and field athletes finished third in their respective events and classifications Thursday at the GHSA Boys State Track and Field Championships in Jefferson, GA
Woodland High School pole vaulter, Thomas Jolly, finished third in the Class AAAAA finals. His vault of 14 feet, finished behind state winner Michael Runyan of Starr’s Mill who cleared 14 feet, six inches. Ben Runyan of Starr’s Mill also cleared 14 feet to place second.
In one of the closest events of the day, Jarvis James of Woodland finished third in the Class AAAAA state long jump finals. James’ jump of 22 feet, eight inches was only two inches behind event winner Denzel Harper of Stephenson High School. Jaysen Robinson of North Springs placed second, only one-half inch behind Harper.
Jayson Cantrell of Adairsville High School finished third in the Class AAA Discus finals with a throw of 137 feet, 10 inches.
Donte Wilson of Jefferson won the state title. His throw of 153 feet edged Kearis Jackson of Peach County who threw 151 feet, three inches.
2016 Boys State Track and Field Championships
Local results for Thursday, May 12
Class 3A Discus Throw
3rd — Jayson Cantrell — Adairsville — 137-10
(Event winner: Donte Wilson, Jefferson, 153-00)
Class 5A Pole Vault
3rd — Thomas Jolly — Woodland — 14-00
(Event winner: Michael Runyan, Starr’s Mill, 14-06)
Class 5A Long Jump
3rd — Jarvis James — Woodland — 22-08
(Event winner: Denzel Harper, Stephenson, 22-10)
Class 5A High Jump
9th — Trevor Knowles — Woodland — 5-10.00
(Event winner: Jamaine Chambers, Dutchtown, 6-04.00)
Class 4A Long Jump
11th — Trey Creamer — Cartersville — 21-00.50
(Event winner: Marcus Cade, Thomson, 23-01.75)
Class 5A Long Jump
11th — Ray Varnum — Cass — 21-04.00
(Event winner: Denzel Harper, Stephenson, 23-04.00)
Class 5A Triple Jump
14th — Ray Varnum — Cass — 43-08
(Event winner: Rogerous Swain, Cedar Shoals, 47-03)
Terry Berdin (100 meter) and Ray Varnum (110 meter hurdles) of Cass will compete Friday in the state finals preliminaries in Jefferson.
The Cass 4x100 meter relay team consisting of Laizon West, Dexter Wilkey, Ray Varnum, Terry Berdin, and alternate Malik Grimes will also compete on Friday in prelims.