ALBANY — Mia McKensey launched herself into history, while Kate Massey ran her way to gold on a day when two northeast Georgia athletes claimed titles at the GHSA girls track and field championships in Albany.
It was so nearly three -- but White County's Jenna Gearing just missed out on claiming the Class AAAA 1,600 title, finishing in 5:10, just behind Marist's Josie Wirtz (5:07).
It was an impressive showing for an athlete that has only been in competition mode for about a month after recently recovering from a broken leg. And the silver medal is not Gearing's final chance to finish strong, as she will also run in the 3,200 final on Friday, capping a highly-decorated four years with the Warriors.
McKensey will also be long remembered in her program after her feat on Thursday.
The Lady Spartans senior produced a performance to end on, setting a personal mark and breaking a West Hall program record by clearing 5-feet-4 in the Class AAA high jump to claim a championship.
McKensey finished just in front of North Clayton's Moena Battle, beating out Battle thanks to clearing 5-4 on her first attempt -- Battle needed two tries to clear it. Both attempted 5-6 but scratched all three times, sending the championship back to attempts needed at 5-4. Teammate Kristine Hunter also took eighth in the shot put (33-9).
Meanwhile, Massey ran her way to gold in the A Public 1,600, finishing first by 10 seconds (5:35). The Commerce standout also hopes to seal double gold on Friday when she competes in the A Public 3,200. Teammate Madison Rodriguez also finished eighth in the race (6:15).
There were plenty of other podium-worthy performances from area athletes on Thursday, including a third place finish in the Class AAAAA high jump for Flowery Branch's Taniyah Worth. Worth cleared 5-4 in a loaded field that included champion NaTosha Jordan (Richmond Academy), who cleared a whopping 5-8.
Jefferson High also produced two fourth place finishes, as Akera Benton completed a triple jump that covered 36-8.25. Teammate Maggie Dyer also finished the Class AAA 3,200 in 11:26 to finish fourth -- Dawson County's Marley Hamby was also seventh in the race (12:14).
Fannin County's Julie Jacobs was also fourth in the Class AAA pole vault with a performance of 8-6. Jackson County's Sadondra Wells also cleared 8-0 in the event to finish in a five-way tie for sixth.
Flowery Branch's Erika Plummer also finished fifth in the Class AAAAA 3,200 (11:21), while Jackson County's Karis Harbin was eighth in the Class AAA discus 100-1.
A number of area athletes also qualified for Saturday's sprint event finals, including Union County's Emma Garrison and East Jackson's Sue Ann Morales, who each qualified second in their respective classification's 800 meter preliminaries.
Meanwhile, Jefferson's Benton qualified fifth in the Class AAA 400 meters, and teammate Taylor Love was eighth in 300 hurdles. The Lady Dragons 4x400 relay team also qualified, along with East Jackson's.
Competition continues Friday at Albany's Hugh Mills Stadium, including more field event and distance finals, as well as the completion of sprint event preliminaries.
