The Smiths Station Boys 4x800 relay is currently leading the state among all classifications and has been as high as US#8 this season. The team ran 8:07 at the Georgia Tech Coaches Invitational and followed up the next week with 8:04 at the Columbus Relays.
Brandon Bennefield and Jerric McCoy agree the team has goals but want to take things one step at a time. "Small goals. That's what we're making. Hit one goal, make a new goal" was voiced by Jerric McCoy. Brandon Bennefield chimed in with " Under 8 and Win state." Apparently that has become the motto of the squad. The relay team remembers taking 2nd during the indoor season and losing to county rival Auburn HS. Both Bennefield and McCoy agree the competition with Auburn is a friendly rivalry but it is business on the track. "Who knows, we might break the school record" added McCoy *
The Panthers go in to the Saturday Invitational portion of the Mobile Challenge of Champions as the top seeded 4x800. They will face tough competition from a #2 seed Auburn HS. Looks like it might be the Battle of Lee County for Bragging Rights.
The other two members of the relay team are Mario Cirinese and Charles Hughes. Both were unavailable during the interview.
* The school record is 7:40.88 set in 2007. Below is the video of Heat 3 , Boys 4x800 at the 2007 Nike Outdoor Nationals.
ALL TIME LEADERS AMONG ALABAMA 4x800 RELAY TEAMS
| Rank | Time | Relay Team | Meet DatePlace |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
7:40.88 |
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|
2 |
7:51.08 |
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|
3 |
7:51.10 |
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|
4 |
7:53.72 |
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|
5 |
7:57.18 |
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|
6 |
7:57.68 |
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|
7 |
7:59.33 |