Johnston, SC – The Strom Thurmond High School (STHS) track team has enjoyed plenty of success this season and the 17 state-qualifying Rebels and Lady Rebels are ready to fill the track lanes and field events on Friday (5/19) at the 2023 Class AA state track and field championships.

The state meet begins at 5:00 p.m. and is being hosted at Spring Valley High School in Columbia.

Coaches for the Rebels and Lady Rebels include Tony Hillary (Head Girls’ Coach), Champ Merriweather (Head Boys’ Coach), Zack Felton (Thrower’s Coach), Crystal Williams (Jumper’s Coach), and Conal Smith (Distance Coach).

“We are extremely proud of our student athletes,” commented the STHS Track and Field coaches in a combined statement. “In our three years leading this program, these are the most athletes we’ve had advance to the state finals. We speak to the team all the time about performing and being at our best when it counts the most. So far, we’ve done that. Now, it’s time to go and take care of business at the state championships.”

Members of the team have set new personal records and a new school record (and personal record) was set in the 100-meter dash by Gregory “G” Bryant this season when he ran a blazing 10.62 time that eclipsed the previous STHS school record of 10.65 seconds.

The school district’s two middle schools are also represented among the state qualifiers by Merriwether Middle School’s Ayanna Franklin and Nnenna Okoronkwo, along with J-E-T Middle School’s Sha’Kyra Bean and Aryan Lyons.

Congratulations and good luck to our 2023 state-qualifying Rebels and Lady Rebels!

 

2023 Class AA Track and Field State Championship Participants

Strom Thurmond High School (Girls)

J’Niya Barnes – 100-Meter Hurdles, 400-Meter Hurdles, 4x100 Meter Relay, 4x400 Meter Relay

Hailey Collins - Shot Put Throw, Discus Throw

Shenique Johnson - Triple Jump, 4x100 Meter Relay 

Morgan Roberts - 4x100 Meter Relay, 4x400 Meter Relay

 

Strom Thurmond High School (Boys)

Chase Brightharp - Shot Put Throw, Discus Throw, Javelin Throw

Gregory “G” Bryant – 100-Meter Dash, 200-Meter Dash, 4x100 Meter Relay, 4x400 Meter Relay

Raymond Burge - 4x100 Meter Relay

Gabriel Merriweather - 4x400 Meter Relay

Tillman Miller - 4x400 Meter Relay

Deonte Phillips – 110-Meter Hurdles

Patrick Pride - 4x100 Meter Relay, 4x400 Meter Relay

Canaan Talbert – 200-Meter Dash, 400-Meter Dash, 4x100 Meter Relay

Makai Williams - Discus Throw

 

Merriwether Middle School (Girls)

Ayanna Franklin - 4x100 Meter Relay

Nnenna Okoronkwo - 4x400 Meter Relay

 

J-E-T Middle School (Girls)

Sha’Kyra Bean - 4x400 Meter Relay

Aryan Lyons – 100-Meter Hurdles, 400-Meter Hurdles