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The Bainbridge-Decatur County Recreation Authority made a strong showing at the GRPA Track & Field State Championships in Commerce, Georgia. Competing against top athletes from across the state, Bainbridge’s youth track and field team delivered standout performances, setting personal records and securing podium finishes.

Riding their District 3 success, Bainbridge’s athletes excelled at state qualifiers, many achieving personal bests even without reaching the finals.. Cash Dollar placed 15th in the 1600m (7:42), while Kade Cooper finished 11th in the 50m (8.24). DJ Jenkins and Brice Smith took 11th and 12th in the Javelin, respectively.  

Mariah Freeman put in a strong effort in sprints, securing 11th place in the 100m with a personal best of 17.43 and finishing 13th in the 400m at 1:34. Kalvin Cooley ran the 400m and also placed 13th. Hawaii Johnson also competed in the 200m. Mason Tucker (200m – 10th, 29.09 PR) and King Douglas (200m – 12th, 27.18 PR) also performed strongly.

Bainbridge celebrated ten athletes who placed in the top eight in their events, earning podium honors. Karter Keaton took home second place in Javelin with a throw of 39’04, while Kevion Coley secured silver in the Long Jump at 10’10, marking a personal best. Douglas placed sixth on the Long jump podium with a record of 14’10. Sophia Smith showed her endurance, finishing 2nd in the 1600m (6:19 PR) and third in the 800m (2:46 PR).

Sprinter Breonna Smith placed fourth in the 200m with a personal best of 27.44, while also claiming eighth in the 100m with a time of 13.49. Coley (eighth, 200m – 35.80 PR), Cedrick Jones (sixth, 200m – 29.89 PR), and Mason Tucker (fourth, Long Jump – 13’10 PR) rounded out Bainbridge’s podium finishers, adding to an impressive showing.

A sincere gratitude to the Bainbridge-Decatur County School Administration for event coordination and to BDCRA coaches Smith, Close, Chip, and Tatiana Smith for guiding the next generation of athletes.