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Pioneers nearing the end of their season

Early in the season, the SSPioneers coaches knew it would be a challenge to compose summer relay teams because of the intense schedules of many of the its athletes. "Most of our relay athletes juggle two or more sports in the summer in addition to family vacations and work schedules. So they came to track practice when they can," said Coach Danielle Mathis. Most of the team's relay practices were held as part of the weekly PTC Running Club meets held each Tuesday at Riley Field. "We are thankful for this local summer venue and have participated in this event since 1997, added Mathis."

Mathis went on to say: "Our Bantam Girls team is the only relay team we see regularly at practices! The other (boys) relays practiced hard for the first time just this past week in preparation for the Georgia Games but some of the athletes literally just showed up to run and we applaud their efforts because winning a medal as part of a relay team is the only way some of these athletes would qualify for the State Games of America held every other year. And we hope to get more of our athletes sponsored to this wonderful biennial event!"

The last minute hard work paid off for the SSPioneers relay teams last weekend at the 2005 Georgia Games Youth Track & Field Championships. The Bantam Girls 4x100M relay team, comprised of Jasmine Jones, Breyana Nelson, Liz Pagan, and Courtney Penn, took 3rd place with most of these girls competing at the bottom of their age group.

The Youth Boys 4x100M relay team took placed first to win the gold medal (49.96) with Theo Echols, Jonathan Ross, David Mathis, and Najee Pace.The Intermediate Boys 4x100M relay team took 3rd place (48:04) with James Mathis, Michael DeHaven, Vince Brown, and Blair Taylor while its 4x400M relay also took 3rd place (with Brown, DeHaven, Khiry Battle, and Taylor (3:42). These relay athletes will go on to compete at the 2007 State Games of America.

In addition to the relays, Sophia Danner-Okotie won the gold medal in the Youth Girls Triple Jump (9.58m) while Michael Cardales-Stearns now reigns as the Gold Medalist in the Intermediate Boys Long Jump (18'8").

Silver Medalists were: Breyana Nelson in the Bantam Girls Long Jump 3.09m, Alyssa Rooks in the Youth girls Discus Throw (14.68m), and Garrett Smith in the Intermediate Boys 1500M (4:47).

Jonathan Ross took the Bronze Medal in the Youth Boys 100M (12.08)while David Mathis took the Bronze Medal in the Youth Boys 400M (54.8).

4th Place Finishers were: Brentley Collins (800M, Intermediate Girls); Sophia Danner-Okotie (100MH, Youth Girls); Theo Echols (100M, Youth Boys); and, James Mathis (Javelin Throw, Intermediate Boys).

Che Judon also competed in the Midget Boys 100M, 200M, and Long Jump events. Judon posted a personal record in all events.

The SSPioneers will wrap up their summer track season as follows:

2005 USATF Junior Olympics Outdoor Track & Field Championships, July 26-31(Indianapolis, IN): Austin Enriquez will compete in the Intermediate Boys 3000M and 1500M runs while Graylin Ward will compete in the Youth Boys High Jump.

2005 AAU Junior Olympics Outdoor Track & Field Championships, August 1-6 (New Orleans, LA): Joy Ferrell will compete in the Intermediate Girls Outdoor Heptathlon, Javelin Throw, 100MH, 400MH, and Long Jump while her brother, Joshua will compete in the Midget Boys Outdoor Pentathlon and High Jump. Zachary Lovett will compete in the 800M.

2005 State Games of America, July 28-30 (US Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs): David Mathis will compete in the 200M, 400M, 4x100M relay, and the 4x400M relay while his brother James will compete in the JavelinThrow, Discus Throw, and the 4x100M relay.

Other Pioneers will compete in the 2005 AAAG Sports Festival in Southwest Atlanta (Quicksilver track) July 23-24.