Burke County state track meet held
Mells places in top eight, Chandler sets school record
By Anne Marie Kyzer Staff Writer

Jaquetta Chandler set a school record for the 1,600 meters while competing at the state meet.

Shaniece Mells led Burke County High School at the state girls AAA track meet last week in Albany.

The strong-armed Lady Bear finished 6th in the state after she hurled the shot put 37'4". She was the only Burke County girl to finish in her event's top eight, the recognized finishes.

Mells also represented the school in the discus throw at the state meet. Despite throwing her personal best of 104', she did not place in that event.

Burke County sent nine girls to the state meet after running away with the region championship two weeks ago.

While they didn't bring home a state title, they posted numbers to be proud of, according to Coach Purvis Dukes. He said that several Lady Bears finished just out of the top eight in their events.

Jaquetta Chandler pushed herself in the mile run to her personal best time, which also set a school record for Burke County. She rounded the track four times in just 5:50.76 minutes.

Quinette Herrington also recorded a personal best at the state meet. In the triple jump, Herrington dug her heels in at 33'7".

"They competed," Coach Dukes said. "They did their best and that's all we ask for."

Coach Dukes said the girls should feel a sense of accomplishment for just making it to the state meet.

"When they make it to state, they know they're in the top sixteen in their event in the state," he said. "It's an experience they won't forget."

Coach Dukes said that AAA division posted some tough numbers to top at the meet. The AAA division clocked the best times among all the divisions for the 100 meters and 200 meters, setting state records in both events.

"It was tough," he said. "But it was a good experience for the girls."

Six BCHS boys will compete in the state meet in Jefferson, Ga. later this week.