Charleston, East Prairie athletes earn berths at Class 2 State Meet

FLAT RIVER, Mo. — Charleston and East Prairie track and field athletes punched their tickets to the state meet with impressive performances at the Class 2 Sectional 1 Meet held at Park Hills Central on Saturday, May 11.

“We did exactly what we needed to do,” said Charleston coach Justin Hutchings. “It was a tough sectional and we knew if we could get out we would have a good shot at getting some podium finishes at state. I thought we would have a couple more qualify, but our team still had a great meet.

The Blue Jays’ will be well-represented by Kamirion Wiley, a standout sprinter who clinched a state berth with a first-place finish in the 400-meter run, clocking an impressive 49.72 seconds. He also secured a fourth-place finish in the 200 (22.41).

Charleston's Kamirion Wiley competes during the SEMO Conference Meet earlier this season at Cape Central High School. Tony Capobianco ~ Southeast Missourian

Lawrence Johnson showcased his jumping prowess, earning a trip to state with a second-place finish in the triple jump (41-11.25) and a third-place finish in the long jump (21-09.50).

The Charleston boys' 400-meter relay team (Bryon Jones, Johnson, Adrian Rodgers, and Wiley) also qualified, snagging fourth place with a time of 44.16.

On the girls' side, Charleston's Jada Jones earned her spot at state with a fourth-place finish (12.65) in the 100. Treasure Kimble's stellar performance in the 300 hurdles (47.65) secured her a second-place finish and a state bid.

The Lady Blue Jays’ relay teams also had a successful day, with the 400 relay team taking third place (50.89) and the 800 relay team claiming gold with a time of 1:46.99.

Both relay teams comprised of Jayla McCalip, Daniyah Thomas, Kimble, and Jones.

The 800 relay team is close to breaking the school record, according to Hutchings.

East Prairie's Connor Marcum punched his ticket to the state meet with an impressive second-place finish in the long jump, leaping 22-0.50.

Teammate Jahirah Mosley will join him in the state competition, securing her spot with a second-place throw of 108-6.75 in the discus.

“It feels great because this is only my second year ever doing track,” Marcum said. “I’ve accomplished things people probably didn’t think I could and I’m looking for a top three medal at state.”

The Class 2 State Meet will be held on Friday, May 17, and Saturday, May 18, at Jefferson City High School.