The Union Recorder

Local Sports

Related Photos

  • Breaking records and only getting better: Shakeria Collins, Brittany Trawick, Zykeria Williams and Daloria Boone can certainly put on a show at the track. The four rising phenoms will be hard to beat in future meets, especially in the 4x400 meter relay. David Brent Martin

    Baldwin Jets setting records with a phenomenal quintet

Discussion

Add a comment on this story
June 27, 2009

Baldwin Jets setting records with a phenomenal quintet

David Brent Martin

Few young athletes have the charisma, charm and spunk of the Baldwin Jets. Their practice sessions are well-orchestrated and lively events, and coach Barry Havior and his group of assistants really have their hands full when trying to round up 75 plus youths for a photograph.

But four of his young athletes can always be found close together. Shakeria Collins, Brittany Trawick, Zykeria Williams and Daloria Boone lead a potent relay quartet that is steadily reaching new heights — and breaking state records in the process.

The team demolished the state 4x400 meter relay record [in their age bracket] with a time of 5:07.03 at a recent state meet in Carrollton, and they’re just getting warmed up.

The relay team’s lead sprinter, the fourth and final to run with the baton at the end of the race, is Boone. The talented youngster was eager to discuss her team’s success at meets, and looks forward to more record-breaking opportunities. This is Boone’s third year with the Jets and she’s a student at Eagle Ridge Elementary — and track and field isn’t the only sport that she finds exciting.

“I also play soccer and basketball,” she said.

Boone and her pals don’t mind putting forth hard work, especially if the opportunity to win and topple records lurks around the corner.

“We were excited [in Carrollton]. We were jumping all over the field and stuff. We went and got tons of other people, and they were just congratulating us and we were congratulating the other team,” said Boone.

The special friendship and bond shared by Boone and her teammates is priceless, and has a lot to do with their success on the track.

Shakeria Collins was also poised to discuss her track experiences with the Union-Recorder.

“I’ve been running track since I was 7,” said the 10-year-old Collins, who put on a show reminiscent of “Flo-Jo” at the recent state meet in Carrollton. Collins took home first place in the 9- to 10-year-old 400 meter dash with a time of 1:09.78. She also placed second in the 800 meters with a time of 2:58.15. And she’s only going to get better with age.

Collins’ current sport of choice is track, and she loves the thrill of winning races.

“It feels really exciting — it feels good,” she said. In regards to her fellow relay teammates, Collins didn’t hide their importance.

“We’re really, really close. And we have a lot of slumber parties,” she said with a grin.

Evan Simmons is also pretty obvious if you ever come around the Highway 212 soccer fields when ribbons and medals are being handed out. Mr. Simmons was weighed down at a recent practice session with some of his new wares, after sprinting to first place in three races at the state meet; the boys 9- to 10-year-old 800 meters, the 1600 meters and the long jump.

“I’ve been running track for two years. It feels exciting to win races,” said Simmons. “I also run and practice a lot.”

If Evan keeps running and practicing you can guarantee that he’ll be in future editions of The U-R.

When asked about the prospects of running track in high school, Simmons just gave a sly smirk.

These five young athletes are all on the path to success — the winning ingredients are certainly there, and it will be exciting to report on their meet results in the very near future. Congratulations to all the Baldwin Jets for their accomplishments — you all deserve it!

Text Only
Local Sports
  • Prep Hoops Youth Development Camp set

    With schools getting out for the summer, it is time for sports camps throughout the community to gear up, beginning with the Southern Prep Hoops Youth Development Camp held in Georgia Military Prep School’s Cordell Events Center June 7 through 9.

    May 26, 2012

  • BHS football gets a talent boost this offseason

    While the Baldwin High football team missed out on its Spring Game this year due to severe weather, the Braves come away from spring ball plea-sed with the im-provements made in the offseason.

    May 25, 2012

  • Durham Bulls dominate Rookie League

    The Durham Bulls, sponsored by K.C. Eady Insurance Repair, won the 2012 Rookie League with a 11-1 record.

    May 24, 2012

  • GMC JC goes Red, Black

    After spending five weeks conditioning and working on position assignments, the Georgia Military Junior College football team got things going with their Red and Black Spring Game Saturday, May 19.

    May 23, 2012

  • GMC Prep players finish third in AAU

    Basketball players from Georgia Military Prep School raised some eyebrows in the Amateur Athletic Union’s (AAU) Ninth Grade and Under District Basketball Tournament hosted by GMC Prep May 4 through 6, as the players finished a surprising third place overall as a part of the Southern Prep Hoops team.

    May 22, 2012

  • GC golf ends in NCAA Quarterfinals

    An amazing season has finally come to a close for No. 18 Georgia College golf, as head coach Jimmy Wilson and the Bobcats fell 3-2 to No. 3 CSU-Stanislaus in the NCAA Quarterfinals Medal-Match Play Thursday.

    May 19, 2012

  • GMC Prep announces its new coaches

    A minor facelift took place for Georgia Military Prep School recently, as the Bulldogs have announced the replacements for John Griffin, head girls basketball coach, and Athletic Director Garry Couch, also softball and baseball head coach, who announced their retirements earlier this spring.

    May 18, 2012

  • GMC gears up for football season

    Coming off one of the most successful seasons in program history in 2011, the Georgia Military College Prep Bulldogs gear up for this fall by participating in their annual spring football game Friday, May 18.

    May 17, 2012

  • Tyson’s versatility and hard work provides spot at Berry College

    Head Trojan baseball coach Justin Mills couldn’t conceal his pride and excitement at John Milledge Academy senior Dusty Tyson’s Tuesday signing.

    May 16, 2012

  • Saturday loss ends Trojan season

    Senior Jordan Demmon allowed no earned runs and retired seven, but the John Milledge Academy offense fell short at the plate in a 3-0 season ending loss to Westfield last Saturday.

    May 15, 2012