- April 25, 2024
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As the announcer began calling out fourth, third and runner-up in the District 3A-1 meet, the name of Mainland High School was not heard. For the first time since the late 1980s, the Buccaneers were called last as the champions.
“We were keeping a close watch on the scores after the 10th event, and when we were up, we knew we had a chance to win it,” coach
Terry Anthony said.
No individual has meant more for the Bucs’ success than sophomore Adrian Killins. While already locked as one of the fastest in the state in individual events, Killins also lends his speed to the 100- and 200-meter dashes and the 4x100 relay, all of which he’s usually swept this season or helped his team win.
“It’s a great feeling where we’re at, but it’s just the beginning,” he said. “I’m looking forward to being regional champs this coming
Wednesday.” When told how long Mainland has gone without a district championship, he added, “That’s a great accomplishment.
I had no idea that it’s been that long. We have been working hard all season, and it’s truly paying off as a team.”
One of the athletes Anthony mentioned was Meiko Dotson.
“Meiko always says that he’s probably the slowest sprinter on the team,” Anthony said. “But now, he’s getting ready to compete
at regionals in the 200-meter dash. He’s just one example of how these guys have been working.”
As long as the Bucs continue to run and jump the way they have been doing all year, they will have no problems getting a lot of state
qualifiers.
Regional qualifiers include Killins and Wilfred Taylor, who finished first and second in the 100-meter dash; Killins and Dotson, who took first and third in the 300-meter dash; Latavies Sylvester, third in the 400-meter dash; Demarcus Adams, second and third in the 110-meter hurdles and long jump; Alex Mack and Johnny Barkley, first and third in the 300-meter hurdles; 4x100 relay team, first; and 4x400 and 800 teams, third; Bryan Gregory, fourth in the long jump; Warnell Bryant, third in the triple jump; and Kevin McCrary, second in the shot put.
Everyone on the team plays football, and some of them, according to Anthony, said the track win was more important than the football district win,because they haven’t won one in a very long time.
Mainland’s regional meet will be held April 22, at Harmony High School in St. Cloud.
TWO LADY BUCCANEERS QUALIFY FOR REGIONALS
While the boys will be heavily represented at the regional track meet, two girls also will look to make a push to the state finals. Sophomore Kayla Littlefield won the 300-meter hurdles title, and Breona Butts qualified for regionals in the 100- and 200-meter
dashes, finishing third and second.
