Pike County Track Team

By STEVEN G. WATSON

Sports Editor

There might be more representatives from the larger schools at the State Track Finals in Tuscaloosa this Friday and Saturday, but there won’t be a more dedicated bunch than the contingent from Pike County.

After a very successful showing at their Sectional in Mobile, the Pike County track team will be sending six members to compete in seven different events at the yearly state meet.

"I feel like we got better as the year went on," PCHS track coach Doug Holland said. "We put all the members on a very intense weight and workout program and we told them if they keep working hard it will pay off. I feel like it has and they have really noticed the results. It really means a lot to me when coaches from other track teams come up to me and comment on how well conditioned they all are."

Sam Diggs paces the Bulldogs as he qualified for four of the events. Diggs took a first place in the high jump with an outstanding leap of 6-feet 3-inches. He also placed fourth in the 400 Meters (55:45), placed third in the Long Jump with a 20.8 leap and was a member of the 4 X 100 relay team that placed second overall.

The 4 X 100 team, composed of Diggs, Anthony Davis, Kevin Marshall and Eric Gosha completed the course in a time of 44:01 to punch all four participants ticket to state.

Davis will also be competing in the popular 100 Meters with an 11:45 time while Gosha took the only other first place for the Bulldogs at the Sectional with a fantastic Long-Jump leap of 21.2 feet.

Jeremy Lampley took second place finishes in both the Shot Put and Discus throws to qualify for both events at state. He heaved the Shot 40.9 feet and the discus 20.6 yards. Teammate Eddie Meadows also qualified in the shot put with a third place finish notching a throw of 38.9 feet.

The Bulldogs came in fourth overall at the Sectional with a score of 78 placing behind T.R. Miller who was first and St. Paul and Daleville.

"I think that all of them are real deserving to go to state and showcase their talents," Holland said. "I’m real pleased with these guys because they are always willing to do what you ask them without any questions."