MILLEDGEVILLE — It’s not often that local kids get a chance to shine on the national stage, but two promising young athletes rose above and beyond the competition this year and are now being honored with exclusive trips to national competitions in two different states.

Some might argue that it should be impossible for such youth to take home such a prestigious honor in  a local newspaper. But while outpacing  the competition on a state and regional level, 10-year-olds Daloria Boone and Jatavious Harris found a way to catapult themselves to the national level, and both are being rewarded as the Union-Recorder Track Athletes of the Year for 2010 (boys and girls).

Both young athletes run for the local Baldwin Jets youth track team, and were excited earlier in the week to discuss their state records, as well as their upcoming trip to Sacramento to participate in the nationals.

Of all the young athletes in Baldwin County, none are perhaps as charismatic and well-spoken as 10-year-old Daloria Boone. Boone is always prepared to put forth her best on the asphalt, and seems to also be prepared to do media interviews.

“Everybody knows Daloria Boone. She’s very free-spirited as far as communicating and talking with folks,” said Baldwin Jet head coach Barry Havior Friday night.

Boone set a state record in the running long jump at Westlake High School in Atlanta in the Area Junior Olympics in June. She then came back last week and shot a new record at the Junior Regional Meet in Greensboro, N.C. Boone also has established state records in the 8 and under category as well.

 The rising star stated earlier in the week that she was happy to be a state record holder and has her sights keenly set on more.

“It feels inspiring. I’m doing it because of the Olympics, and I was inspired by Flo-Jo (Florence Griffith- Joyner) and the things she did and how hard she worked,” said Boone. “I want to break another record —  hopefully in the 200 meters. When I grow up I really want to be in the Olympics.”

Boone also stated that she was training two times a day for the California meet, and wants to bring her best stuff.

Another popular name for the Baldwin Jets this season has been 10-year-old Jatavious Harris. Like Boone, Harris has also established a state record this year in his age division, and did it in the 100 meter dash with a time of 13.50. The original mark was held by Lajyrish Greene of Camden County (13.62). Harris also came back in the 200 meters and established another state record in his age category with a time of 27.84.

And that’s not all, he also has a state record in the 8 and under USA Track and Field Junior Olympic in the 100 meters.

“I think his parents were hesitant to put him in the program at first. He had played football his entire life.  But it paid off,” said Havior.

The young runner was all smiles when discussing his record, and the opportunities for more accolades.

“It feels good to beat the record,” said Harris. “My family was also there. I really hope to break some more.”

Harris also added that he trains two  hours a day.

Coach Havior said that having the likes of Boone and Harris on the Jets makes his job a lot easier, because of the newsprint they create.

“I think those two kids are very, very, very important to the track club. If these kids make headlines and set records, other kids I try to recruit won’t be as hesitant to join,” said Havior. “We get to go to a lot of places and it’s fun.”

Both Boone and Harris received word this week that they’ll be attending the Hershey Nationals in Hershey, Pa. August 6-8. The trip will be all expenses paid.

The Baldwin Jets are still raising money to fund the two youth’s trip to Sacramento, Calif., which will include two round trip plane tickets, hotel and rental car accommodations and meals.

“There have been some donations thus far, but we are still searching for a sponsor,” said Havior.

For more information on the Baldwin Jets or to become a sponsor, call coach Barry Havior at (478) 456-4524.