EAST JACKSON’S Cale Pirtle used two more record-setting performances to move on to the Class AA state sectionals.
Pirtle established new school marks in the 1,600 meters (4:30.88) and the 3,200 meters (10:08.25) as he won the region in both events to help East Jackson to a fifth-place finish in the 8-AA meet Thursday and Friday. He’ll compete next at the Class AA sectionals Saturday at Lamar County.
Pirtle, a senior who’s signed with Truett-McConnell, broke his own school records in those events and accounted for 20 of East Jackson’s 63 points at region.
Pirtle is one of seven East Jackson track and field performers advancing to sectionals this weekend.
Other boys’ team members qualifying were Montell Reynolds (third, 300-meter hurdles, 40.81 seconds), Jeff Chandler (second, shot put, 47-5) and Lance Haley (third, shot put, 47-1).
On the girls’ side Robin Adair qualified in two events — the 400 meters (fourth, 1:04.53) and the high jump (third, 4-8). Other Lady Eagles qualifying were Santana Davis (second, shot put, 32-5) and Randi Slizewski (third, shot put, 30-8).
East Jackson’s girls finished seventh in the region with 36 points.
As for sectionals, the top eight placers in the field events and the 1,600 and 3,200-meter races will advance to state. In the running events, the top two finishers in each of the two heats go to state, as well as the runners with the next four fastest times.
