The Columbia Academy track team picked up a pair of bronze medals at the MAIS AAA State Championship May 3 and May 4.
The girls 4x800 relay team, which features Hannah Rogers, Charlee Brees Franks, Macy Robertson and Natalie Ragan, placed third with a time of 11:11.41 on the second day of competition at Jackson Prep. Even more impressive was Ragan’s valiant effort as she gave a gutsy performance by running the anchor leg with a pulled calf muscle.
The boys 4x800 relay team also placed third with a time of 9:01.07. The team includes James Ragan, Warren Parker, Gavin Woods and Hagen Bracey.
“I’m extremely proud of these young men and women,” coach Duane Powell said. “They have all worked very hard, and they performed well.”
Natalie Ragan’s injury kept her from competing in two other events she qualified for as an individual, the 800 and 1,600 meter runs. Powell said he felt terrible for Natalie because she had worked so hard and had a chance to medal in both events.
“I’m very disappointed about Natalie’s injury, but being only a freshman she’ll definitely be back,” he said.
To round out the second day, Franks finished seventh in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:45.33.
“This was quite an accomplishment for Charlee, and I’m very proud of her,” Powell said. “Very few sixth graders make it to this level. She’s the first sixth grader in CA’s history to make it to state in an individual running event.”
On day one of the championships at Jackson Academy, Lizzie Sullivan broke her school record in long jump with a distance of 16 feet, 8 ¾ inches to place fourth. Parker also finished fourth in 3,200 meter run with a season-best time of 11:03.74.
“We have an exceptionally young team with most of our varsity team being junior high kids, including three sixth graders that we moved up to this level,” Powell said. “I think we had a good year, and we certainly have a bright future.”
Pictured Above: Track coach Duane Powell is joined by Columbia Academy’s bronze medal 4x800 meter relay team. From left are Natalie Ragan, Hannah Rogers, Macy Robertson and Charlee Brees Franks. | Photo Submitted
