The final two track meets of the summer proved to be the toughest and most satisfying for the Next Level Track Club athletes.
T
he Russell E. Blunt/East Coast Invitational was held at Duke University’s Wallace Wade Stadium. According to boys Coach Chris Robinson, “They competed against over 2,000 talented athletes from all throughout the eastern United States and four foreign countries.”
Next Level’s Bantam Boys (9-10 years old) 4 x 100m Relay Team, made up of Trevor Whitehead, Jayden King-Penn, Juwan Archie and Ahmani Marshall, won the gold. Marshall and King-Penn later followed up by earning awards in three individual events.
The 13 – 14 year old girls team of Zaria Pitts, Jahnae Bowman, Deja Reid and Amodia Crosby won the bronze in the 4 x 100m relay. Crosby, Bowman and Reid also won individual awards in five other events. Nine-year-old Asia Phillips won two individual awards. The group collectively won 24 awards and medals during the three-day event.
“Our girls competed against four of the top 10 relay teams, and fared well,” said Coach Keisha Hayes.
Ahmani Marshall left the meet and traveled to Morgan State University to compete in the USATF National Junior Olympics Track & Field Championships, where he finished in sixth in the 200m dash and had the 11th best time in the 100m dash.
“He competed against some of the best talent in the nation,” said Coach Loretta Marshall.
Coach Flo Phillips added, “We’re looking forward to hosting our indoor running team this winter.”
