Dixon, Ortiz, Rhea lead performances in Jefferson

Speed, strength, endurance and athleticism were the words of the weekend in Jefferson as they best track performers in the state were on full display at the Boys State Meet at Jefferson High.

Several local competitors made the trip after qualifying at Sectionals two weeks ago, and many made the most of their opportunity on the big stage with impressive performances.

The top local finisher was Sonoraville’s Dylan Dixon, who tied for fifth in the high jump with a 6-02. Dixon was the Sectionals champ in the event. He also competed in the long jump at State, finishing 15 with a 20-02.25.

Dixon was one of two Phoenix competitors to contribute to their team total of points, six, which put them tied for 29th in Class AAA. Nathan Ortiz earned 2.5 points for the team as well with his tied for sixth-place performance in the pole vault (12-00).

Sonoraville’s Kenny Cooper finished 12th in the discus (111-08), and teammate Drake Johnson was 15th in the 1600 meter (4:46.07). The 4x100 meter relay team of Dixon, Tarik Holmes, Cody Long and Stone Logan also competed and finished 12th in the prelims with a 43.67.

Calhoun finished the State Meet in 33rd as a team with 5.5 total points with three competitors contributing to that total. They were led by Jack Rhea, who tied for sixth in the pole vault with a 12-00 for 2.5 points. Ethan Woodard added two points for the team with a seventh- place finish in the 110 meter hurdles ( 16.50), and William Long placed eighth in the discus with a throw of 124-04 for one point.

Esvin Garcia made the trip to run in two events for the Jackets as he placed 11th in the 1600 meter (4:39.30) and 12th in the 800 meter prelims (2:05.85). Drew McEntyre finished 10th in the discus with a throw of 118-09.

Gordon Central had two State- qualifying performances to make the trip to State to compete. Lee Ullman finished 13th in the pole vault (J11-00), and the 4x400 meter relay team of Kelby Mezick, Luke Beavers, Race Hudson and Morgan Swaim too 13th in the prelims with a 3:36.37.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS ( Sonoraville’s Dylan Dixon (third from right) stands on the podium after finishing fifth in the high jump last Thursday in Jefferson. ( Calhoun’s Jack Rhea poses with his sixth-place medal from the pole vault.