Track: Rucker's double gold highlights impressive Saturday in Albany

ALBANY -- This time a year ago, Erika Rucker left Albany a state champion.

This time around, Rucker left the girls state track meet a bona fide star.

The Flowery Branch senior left an indelible mark on Class AAAA and the entire state on Saturday, claiming gold medals in both the 400 and 800 meters and producing the best time of the meet -- across all classifications -- in the 400.

Rucker's performance highlighted an impressive Saturday showing for area girls athletes in Albany, as northeast Georgia representatives finished fifth or better in nine different competitions.

West Hall's standout duo of Maia Booker and LeNiesha Kearse harnessed two top five finishes apiece, with Booker leading the way.

The freshman capped a sensational first season of varsity competition by finishing second in the Class AAA 100 meters (12.03 seconds) and second in the 200 (24.78).

Meanwhile, Kearse, just a sophomore, earned a third place finish in the 100 meter hurdles (14.96) and finished fifth in the 300 hurdles (45.82). Their performances helped the Lady Spartans to finish seventh in Class AAA with 24 points.

Other top finishers for the day included Buford's Maya Dillard, who took third in the Class AA 800 meters (2:23) and Rabun County's Sally Woerner, who finished third in the Class AA 300 hurdles (45.48).

Gainesville's Sara Hayes also took fourth place in the Class AAA 800 meters (2:23).

Yet the day undeniably belonged to Rucker, who capped her senior campaign in style. The South Carolina-bound senior sprinted to a 53.96 in the 400 -- the best of any competitor over the weekend -- to defend the state title she won last season in Class AAA. She then claimed her first 800 title with a 2:16, running just two seconds off her personal best for the season.

Rucker's running, combined with Rajeanna Jarrett's long jump performance on Friday, allowed Flowery Branch to finish sixth in Class AAAA with 25 points.