The Jenkins County High School War Eagles’ track teams competed in their first meet at Screven County High School Thursday, March 4, against Screven County and Tattnall County, two very strong AA schools in track and field.

The girls’ track coach this season is Chuck Sanders, and Charley Waters coaches the boys’ team.

For several young members, it was their first meet, and they were able to get their feet wet and find out what is involved in running track.

The Lady Eagles had several high finishes. Zandra Lake won the Triple Jump; Deondra Lewis won the Discus; and Ayana Walker won the 100 and 200 meter sprints. Also, Shalyn Morris came in second in the 800 meter race. The Lady Eagles fell just four points behind the second place team in overall scoring to finish third on the day.

The War Eagles Boys’ track and field started their 2010 season with a lot of determination to return the Region Championship back to Jenkins County after finishing second last year to Claxton by only two points, breaking the War Eagles’ streak of six consecutive Region 3A Championships (2003-2008.)

Off to a good start, the War Eagles finished second in overall scoring with 61 points behind first place Tattnall County with 70 points. Screven finished third with 55 points.

The second meet of the season for the War Eagles was held March 9 at Swainsboro High School. The other teams competing were Swainsboro, Toombs County and Jefferson County, all AA schools.

The Lady War Eagles finished with an outstanding second place win.

Coach Sanders stated, “This was a great team effort.”

Deondra Lewis won first in the Discus, and Ayana Walker won first in the 200 Meter Dash. There were numerous second place finishes.

The War Eagles boys’ team flexed their muscles as well with an impressive win over Swainsboro, Jefferson County and Toombs County with powerful performances resulting in the 208 overall points for Jenkins County. Swainsboro was second with 126 points. Jefferson County came in third with 77 points, and Toombs rounded out the field with 76 points.

Individual event winners were: Triple Jump - Marvin London- 1st place, James Prescott- 3rd place; High Jump- Charles Reynolds- 5th place, Brandon Watson- 6th place; Shot put- James DeLoach- 1st place, Johnathon Taylor- 2nd place; Discus- James DeLoach- 1st place, Johnathon Taylor- 2nd place; 100 meters- Deyshon George- 3rd place, Dondre DeJesus- 4th place; 200 meters- Marvin London- 2nd place, Deyshon George- 4th place; 400meters- Marvin London-2nd place, James Prescott- 3rd place.

800 meters- Quentin Williams 2nd place, Brad Amerson- 3rd place; 1600- Brad Amerson- 1st place, Remigio Gomez- 3rd place; 3200- Johnny Reyes- 1st place, Colton Wilkerson- 5th place; 110 HHCharles Reynolds- 1st place, Travon London- 3rd place; 300 HH- Charles Reynolds- 1st, Travon London- 3rd place, Lavontay Evans- 4th place; 400 meter relay- J.C. #1 team- 2nd place, J.C. #2 team- 5th place; and 1600 meter relay- J.C. #1 team- 2nd place, J.C. #2 team- 5th place.

Sanders and Waters were pleased with the effort their team gave in the first two meets. Sanders states, “The squad has a good mixture of young and old talent. We should be very competitive at region once the young girls get several races under their belt.” Waters states, “Our goal, without question, is to be Region Champs in 2010. These young men have dedicated themselves to the weight room this off season so we will be stronger and faster. Our team last year lacked leadership. But this year we have a couple of leaders stepping up and making positive examples at practice and meets.”