Richardson keeps success going for Jackets at State

Slater Richardson made his move at the right time on the big stage of a state championship track meet.

The senior distance runner at Starkville High School saw his opportunity and seize it to become the Class 6A State champion in the 800 meters in Pearl this past Saturday.

After sitting in second on the first lap of the 800 meters, Richardson was able to catch and pass the runner in front of him.

"I was able to slide around the guy who was in first and produced a pretty good gap," Richardson said. "It was closed in, but I was able to hold off second place and come away with the victory."

For his accomplishment, Richardson was chosen the OCH Regional Medical Center Athlete of the Week.

Richardson has grown as a runner for the Yellowjackets over the last two years, while watching former teammates Patton Little and Lake Spradling enjoy success.

The tradition continued this season with Richardson's 800-meter title and second-place finish in the 1600 meters.

Richardson really wanted to win the 1600-meter run as well like Little and Spradling did, but he doesn't want to take winning the 800 meters for granted.

"My two teammates before Patton and Lake were both able to win the 1600 and I was looking forward to keeping that streak alive, but I'm grateful to win the 800 meters," Richardson said.

SHS track coach Caroline Woomer has watched Richardson grow as a runner over the last couple of years.

She said he did a good job of waiting his turn and taking advantage of the opportunity.

"It was his time to step up this year at the state meet and he did," Woomer said. "We're really proud of him.

"He's a hard worker. He's worked hard for four years and I look forward to seeing what he does in the future."

That future, at least for the next four years, will be reuniting with Spradling and joining the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Richardson plans to sign with the Bulldogs later this week.