Robbinsville well-represented in upcoming season finale
* State track meet preview
Cherokee – When the 1A state track meet takes place Friday at N.C. A&T in Greensboro, Robbinsville will be scattered across several events.
At the conclusion of the Western Regional meet last week, 10 Knights had qualified in multiple categories, which gives head coach Stuart Nelms a lot of hope about the conclusion of the season.
“I am very pleased with our athletes progress this season,” Nelms said. “These kids have worked really hard and stuck it out through a crazy season, due to the late start this year.
“It shows a lot of character for these kids to stick it with deep into the summer – and some after graduation.”
Lina Pagan is the lone senior to qualify, as she will fill roles on three different relay teams (4x100, 4x200 and 4x400). Pagan and runners Keylie Jordan, Haize Moore, Kensley Phillips and Zoie Shuler will attempt to conquer the events through various combinations. Delaney Brooms – who qualified in the 400-meter dash, was the anchor of the 4x400, and also competed in the 4x100 and 4x200 – will be unable to attend the meet. The Lady Knights are exploring their options on an alternate in the relays.
Phillips and Shuler will also compete in the long jump, with the latter also seeking a state ring in the triple jump. Shuler set a new Robbinsville standard at the Western Regional meet in the long jump, breaking a mark set by Katie Williams in 2012 by leaping 18 feet, 5 ½ inches. She will also compete in the 100-meter dash, following a third-place finish at the regional meet.
Brock Adams, Cutler Adams and Hayden Stewart will represent the Black Knights at state. Brock won the 110-meter hurdles competition at regionals and qualified in the high jump with a second-place height of 5 feet, 10 inches. His time of 43.61 in the 300-meter hurdles also cemented his spot in the state competition.
Cutler will sprint through the 100-meter dash, while Stewart will show off his stamina in the 3,200-meter run.
“I am looking forward to seeing what happens Friday,” Nelms added. “We have several with a shot at making All-State or better.”