The Pinewood Christian Academy (PCA) varsity boys’ track team claimed 6th place, and the girls’ 7th place, at the 2024 Georgia Independent Athletic Association (GIAA) State Championship Meet on April
25-27, 2024, held at Brookstone School in Columbus, Georgia.
The boys’ 6th place position, with 45.50 overall points, was among 24 schools.
"I'm very proud of the way this team competed at the state track meet. Being combined with the AAAA teams makes for some very good competition, but these guys are not going to back down. We were the second highest ranked AAA team,” stated Coach Andy Callaway.
Jake Rogers, PCA senior, was named State Champion in the long jump event, with a record-setting 23’1/2” jump. His 2nd place finish in the 200m, 3rd place finish in the 100m, and 7th place finish in the 4x100 relay earned him the boys’ 4A/3A High Point Award with a combined total of 24.5 points.
“I was very excited to have jumped my personal best in the long jump, but to also break a state record that had been in place for over 37 years was very exciting! I am thankful God gave me the ability to do so! I also ran my personal best in the 100m and 200m, and our relay team performed great as well and got on the podium. Being able to win and place in all of these races helped me to achieve the 4A/3A
Boys’ High Point Award, which is an amazing honor, especially competing with all of those great athletes from so many schools around Georgia. I want to thank all the coaches who spent so much time helping and coaching me. I have truly enjoyed running track for Pinewood, and I am happy to have ended my high school career on such a high note,” said Jake.
“Seeing Jake Rogers break a 37-year-old record in the long jump and then win the overall High Point Award was certainly a special memory that I will cherish," said Coach Callaway.
The girls’ team tied for 7th place among 26 teams with 33 points. Girls’ coach Paula Johns said, “After a season of battling obstacles, such as injury, illness, and weather-related disruptions, these young
ladies battled fiercely and courageously to capture their first Region Championship since 2021. They took that same momentum into the state meet in Columbus where they finished strong and boasted several top eight podium appearances. The strength of character that they displayed was a delight to witness, and it will serve them well for years to come.”
Taylor Bland was the girls’ high point winner, as she scored the largest number of points for the PCA girls’ team with 13.25.
She earned 2nd in the 300 hurdles, 4th in the 4/100 relay, and 5th in the 100 hurdles.
She reflected, “This season has been amazing! As an eighth grader running with the high school team, I was welcomed with such support from my new teammates and coaches. I thank the Lord for all the abilities He has graciously given me.”
Overall, the season was a success.
Headmaster Kevin Cloud shared, “I was very proud of how our athletes represented our school and competed on a fast track against the best in our state."
