Alabama Athletes Shine on the National Indoor Stage
The nation's top high school athletes gathered at New Balance Indoor Nationals (NBNI) and Nike Indoor Nationals, and Alabama's contingent delivered standout performances, including national titles, state records, and historic top finishes. Below are just some of the biggest highlights from the weekend. Alabama athletes over the last few years have continued to raise the bar and compete well on the national stage as evidenced below. This shows the great dedication and hard work that athletes, coaches, and parents have around around our state!
Huntsville High Makes History in the Distance Medley Relay
The Huntsville High boys took center stage in the Distance Medley Relay (DMR), finishing third overall in a blazing 10:03, setting the fastest time in Alabama history at NBNI. The squad also competed in the 4x800m, where they placed 11th overall with a time of 7:50, further cementing their place among the nation's best mid-distance programs. Relay members included:
Janie Ford Captures Pentathlon National Title in Historic Fashion
Alabama's biggest headline came from Janie Ford, who dominated the pentathlon at NBNI, claiming the National Championship with a meet-record score of 3,941 points. According to MileSplit, Ford's performance ranks fourth all-time in U.S. high school history. Her dominant effort included event wins in the 60m hurdles (8.71), long jump (19'6.75"), and 800m (2:17.69).
Annie Kerr Finishes 3rd in Championship Pole Vault
Annie Kerr showcased her elite talent in the Championship Pole Vault at NBNI, finishing 3rd overall, earning a podium finish among the nation's top vaulters.
Gideon Newton Earns 3rd Place in Freshman 400m
Gideon Newton delivered a strong showing at NBNI, finishing 3rd in the Freshman 400m with a lightning-fast 49.46.
Bryce McCleary Runs Huge PR in Championship Mile
In the Championship Mile, Bryce McCleary clocked a massive PR of 4:14.12, proving his place among the nation's best.
New State Record for Daniel Skandera in the 2-Mile
At Nike Indoor Nationals, Daniel Skandera turned in an unforgettable performance in the championship 2-mile, clocking an 8:48 to finish 5th overall and set a new Alabama high school indoor state record.
Cooper Jeffcoat Impresses in the 800m & 1600m
At NBNI, Cooper Jeffcoat put together a strong double, finishing 8th in the Championship 800m (1:51.42) and running 4:26.91 in the 1600m.
Charlie Hollingsworth Takes Runner-Up Honors in Freshman Mile
Rising star Charlie Hollingsworth made a statement in the Freshman Mile, claiming 2nd place with a time of 4:23.11.
Ava Sparks Enters Alabama's All-Time List
In the Championship 2-Mile, Ava Sparks ran 10:49.49, with a 3200m conversion of 10:45.72, placing her #8 all-time in Alabama indoor history.
Hoover Elite Excels in the 4xMile
The Hoover Elite relay team, featuring Lila Hunter, Ava Sparks, Amelia Vann, and Catherine Wallace, placed 11th overall in the Championship 4xMile, running 21:03.
Other Notable Performances
- Anna Erdberg placed 13th in the Nike Indoor Nationals 2-mile Emerging Elite division with a time of 11:09.15.
- Nora Allan of Whitesburg Christian ran 5:28 in the Middle School Mile, finishing as the 10th fastest 7th grader at NBNI.
- Charlie Lehr of Huntsville raced in the Middle School Mile, finishing with a big personal best of 4:47.59 at NBNI.
Alabama Continues to Make Its Mark
These performances solidify Alabama's growing reputation as a powerhouse in high school track and field. With record-breaking performances, national titles, and historic times, these athletes have set the stage for an exciting outdoor season.