The Rockdale Striders Track Team had 16 athletes go to the Georgia Recreation and Park Association’s District 6 track and field meet in Walton County on April 22, 2024. Six members of the team have advanced to the state meet in Augusta on May 5-6.

Coach B.J. Kennedy and his athletes will head to Richmond County to participate in the 1600 meter run, 800 meter run, 400 meter run, the 200 meter run, the standing long jump, running long jump, and the turbo javelin.

“A terrific job {was done} by all,” said Darrell Holmes, athletics manager for Rockdale Parks and Recreation. “Now, we focus on executing well at Laney High.”

All the athletes had standout performances and these six move on to the next round:

Michael Gizzi – age 14: standing long jump 8-01, 1st place, 200 m- 24.36, 2nd place, 400 m – 53.09, 1st place.

Donovan Rodgers – age 11: 800 m-2.28.56, 2nd place, 1600 m-5.38.52, 1st place.

Matthew Lumpkin – age 11: mini javelin- 32-01.5, 1st place.

Justin Williamson – age 8: 800 m- 2:48.32, 2nd place.

Jayden Whidbee – age 10: 400 m-1:07.93, 2nd place, running long jump-11-07, 3rd place.

Ny’Ashia Nolley – age 7: 100 m- 16.01, 1st place, 200 m-33.79, 1st place, running long jump 10-03.50, 1st. Place.

USATF Level 1 Head Coach Kennedy and assistant coaches Durand Rodgers, Thea Dennard and Rita Whidbee have a talented group of individuals who have created an outstanding team. The athletic club’s competitive excellence has earned them numerous individual and group awards.