Track and Field: GHS, Branch qualify more runners for sectionals at 8-AAAAA finale

LOGANVILLE -- The Flowery Branch and Gainesville track and field teams wrapped the Region 8-AAAAA championships with more state sectional qualifiers and one champion on Thursday in Loganville.

Red Elephants distance specialist Juan Ortega ran his way to a gold medal in the 3,200 meters, finishing in 10:00.13 to beat out two Falcons -- Nick Ashmead finishing second (10:04.33) and Miguel Martinez third (10:18.53).

Meanwhile, the Lady Falcons nabbed two silver medals -- one each for Kayle Tanner in the 800 meters (2:26.81) and Cassie Ward in the 3,200 (12:08.85). Heather Moore also finished third in the 400 (1:00.08) and fourth in the 800 (2:28.89).

Gainesville's Jorge Galvan also took fourth in the 800 (2:04.43).

Gainesville's boys finished fourth in the meet, piling up 71 points. Cedar Shoals won with 147.

Flowery Branch's girls came in fifth with 72 points. Host Loganville won with 159.

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