You can’t catch Jamal Cooper — at least no one in Class AAAA in Georgia can.
Madison County’s fastest man is also the state’s quickest sprinter, capturing both the 100-meter and 200-meter dash championships in Class AAAA at the state track meet in Jefferson last week, posting times of 10.626 seconds in the 100 and an all-classification best 21.38 time in the 200. He also took second place in the long jump with a leap of 23’2”. Cooper also received the state AAAA trophy for most points scored by an individual.
“This was another first for our track program and for our school record books,” said Raider track coach Jamie Sims.
But the two-time state champion Cooper wasn’t the only Raider excelling at the state meet. Kendrick Butler finished fourth in the state in the 300-meter hurdles, with a time of 39.396 seconds — a school record and personal best. He was also eighth in the triple jump. Meanwhile, Jeffery Hicks placed eighth in the state in pole vault, reaching a height of 11 feet flat.
Madison County only sent three Raiders to state, but the school finished third in class AAAA, with 34 teams points, second only to Bainbridge, 52 points; and Clarke Central, 44.
“This is the first time in school history that our boys’ team has performed this well in the state meet and brought home a trophy,” said Sims. “We had outstanding performances by our team.”
Sims said 2010 was a banner year for the Madison County track program.
“This year has been the best track season in school history and we have been proud to represent Madison County High school this year,” he said. “We managed to not only place in the top three in the state but also win first place in two out of the three big invitational meets that we were invited to this year. That was also another first in school history. So, all in all, we made history with our 2010 track team. Congratulations to all that helped and supported us thoughout the season.”
Sims said those leaving the program will be missed.
“I will definitely miss all my seniors that are leaving the program,” said the coach. “Luckily, they have set a good base for the freshman class.”
