Over the course of February 21-22, 2025, several meets across Alabama offered athletes an opportunity to open the outdoor season strong, setting a promising tone for what lies ahead.
Southeastern Relays @ Saraland
At Saraland High School on February 22, the 65th Southeastern Relays showcased 645 total performances. St. Paul's Episcopal's Janie Ford delivered impressive efforts across multiple events, posting a 300H time of 44.22 seconds, a 100H mark of 14.75 seconds, and an LJ leap of 19-7.25. In the distance events, UMS-Wright's Mallory Helms clocked 5:25.03 in the 1600m, with Saraland's Mallary Little and Teresa Ye also turning in competitive times.
Adonica Ferguson Smiths Station Panther Open w/ Relays
Hosted at Smiths Station High School on February 22, this meet recorded 626 total performances. Auburn athletes were well-prepared for the season, with Katherine Lee running the 100H in 14.99 seconds and recording a 17-11.5 in the LJ. McKinsie Register delivered a solid 44.53 in the 300H and later posted a 12.41 in the elite 100m, while Carnell Jackson marked the Discus event with a performance of 160-8.
Northridge-Black & Blue Invitational
On February 22 in Tuscaloosa, Northridge High School hosted a large meet featuring 1,415 performances. Competitors showed depth across multiple disciplines: Erin Pernell from Northridge registered a 36-1 in the TJ; Rose Albritton of the same school recorded a 10-6 in the PV, closely followed by Charlotte Dickson of Holy Spirit Catholic; Mar'Rica Trone of Central - Tuscaloosa posted a 37-3 in the Shot Put; Jennings Hinz leaped 23-5.25 in the LJ; and K'den Weaver delivered a 45-0 in the TJ.
JAMES CLEMENS EARLY BIRD INVITATIONAL
At James Clemens High in Madison on February 22, 909 performances provided a solid early-season gauge. Lawrence County High School's Katie Mae Coan ran the 3200m in 11:02.82, and Trinity Milligan from James Clemens turned in a 37-0.25 in the TJ.
Oak Mountain Eagle Relays
On February 21 at Heardmont Park in Oak Mountain, 221 performances highlighted the competitive spirit of the meet. Oak Mountain High School's Catarina Williams finished the 1500m in 4:51.33, with teammate Ava Fields following closely in 4:51.83. In the long-distance event, Briarwood Christian School's Mary Grace Parker recorded an 18:51.13 in the 5000m, while Allie Hale delivered a solid 19:21.38.
Looking Ahead
As athletes build momentum, these early-season efforts promise an exciting outdoor season ahead.