The Fort Mill girls track team claimed their second state championship in program history Thursday, dominating the 5A Division II competition with 100 points at Spring Valley High School’s Harry Patrone Stadium. Their victory secured the school’s 40th team state athletic title, outpacing rival Nation Ford, who finished second with 70 points. This championship marks the first track title for Jackets’ head coach Lee Whitaker, who remarkably guided both the boys’ and girls’ cross-country teams to state crowns earlier in the school year in his debut track season at the school.
The Yellow Jackets showcased their strength across multiple events, highlighted by a win in the 4×800 relay. Individually, Alivia Cleveland secured two state titles in the 1,600 meters and as part of the winning relay team. Kaylee Rovenstine also captured gold in the 3,200 meters. Nation Ford had individual champions in Gabriela Brailsford, who won both the 100 and 200 meters, setting a new school record in the latter. Neale Johnson also stood out for the Falcons, winning the long jump with a nation-leading mark and the 400-meter hurdles, contributing to the Nation Ford boys’ third-place team finish.
- Class A Girls: Bamberg-Earhart HS
- Class A Boys: Calhoun County HS
- Class AAAAA-Division 2 Girls: Fort Mill HS
- Class AAAAA-Division 2 Boys: West Florence HS
