By Lee Davis
The Alabama High School Athletic Association’s state Class 7A track meet may have been conducted at Gulf Shores, but it definitely had the look of Hoover.
That’s because the Bucs swept both the boys and girls championships on the weekend of May 5-6.
Hoover’s boys totaled 104 points to win their sixth title in eight years, easily outpacing runner-up Auburn’s 89 score. The Lady Bucs scored 128.5 points to defeat second place Mountain Brook at 83.5.
In Class 6A, the Homewood Patriot girls easily defeated second place Opelika 128-80 to claim their fourth straight title. The Patriot boys finished second in Class 6A behind Opelika.
Individual winners in Class 7A boys competition included Hoover’s Trent Hammer and Luke Ballard, who won the 800-meter run and javelin throw, respectively. Spain Park’s Christian Strong won the 110-meter run. Vestavia Hills’ James Sweeney took first place in the 3,200-meter run, and the Rebels’ Walter Thomas brought home the shot put title. The Bucs also claimed a team championship in the 4×800 meter relay.
In girls Class 7A, Hoover’s Caitlyn Little claimed top prizes in the 100-meter dash and 100-meter hurdles. The Lady Bucs’ Chakiya Plummer won the 300-meter run. Oak Mountain’s Nicole Payne triumphed in the 400-meter dash and Mountain Brook’s Sophie Jane Knott took the pole vault championship.
Homewood’s domination of the Class 6A girls competition was reflected by the Lady Patriots’ impressive number of first place finishes. Jasmine Griffith claimed the 100-meter and 400-meter runs. Ann Mosely Whitsett won the 800-meter run. Lainey Phelps earned first place in the 1,600-meter dash and Celie Jackson took home the top prize in the 3,200-meter run. Caroline Lawrence won the 4×400 meter relay. The Lady Patriots also claimed a team championship in the 4×400 meter relay.
Westminster Oak-Mountain grabbed the boys Class 1A title and The Altamont School’s girls won the Class 2A title. Westminster’s Nate Collins collected the 800-, 1,600- and 3,200-meter title runs and Altamont’s Sophie Cornelius achieved the pole vault crown. ϖ