Optimist Track Meet Friday, April 12
Tim D. Smith
One of the oldest and most prestigious track meets in the state of Tennessee takes place Friday when competitors square off at the Optimist Track Meet to be held at Walker Valley High School in Cleveland, TN. Historically, the meet experiences mild temperatures and is held at a time in the high school track season that signals championships are right around the corner.
Winners at Optimist typically find themselves on the podium at the state meet, and athletes who won events at this meet last year are no exception. Notable rising seniors include Baylor’s Simon Holden, who will compete in the 800 Friday and who was also a triple winner at state in the 3,200, 1,600, and 800 after winning the 1,600 and 800 at Optimist 2012. Ole Miss signee Haley Ward won the 3,200 meter at last year’s Optimist in 11 minutes and 36 seconds on her way to rounding into form and winn...
