Though the 3A State Championship Meet took place on Friday and results were up within hours of the completion of the 4x400m, I have been putting off typing this Stoltz Report, as it is the last Stoltz Report I will have the privilege of writing. The show must go on, however, and Tallahassee’s 3A superstars certainly gave me plenty to write about in this finale.

On the girls’ side, Chiles made quite a STATEment (sorry, I couldn’t resist), placing fourth overall. Haley Watts tied for second in the pole vault, bringing away seven points with her height of 11-00.00. The 4x100m relay team took fifth place, with a time of 48.61. In the distance events, Lily Williams dominated, taking first in both the 1600m (4:58.56) and the 3200m (11:11.46). Her teammate, Carly Thomas, finished eighth in the 1600m (5:14.78) and fifth in the 3200m (11:22.77). All in all, it was a highly successful day for the Lady Timberwolves.

The male Timberwolves did not fair quite as well as their female counterparts, but they still had some strong performances in the throws to land them in twentieth place overall. Stargell Williams placed fourth in the discus throw (161-03) and third in the shot put (52-03.75). The top finishing local team was Leon, which took home fifth place. The Lions were led by distance standout, Matt Mizereck, who completed his high school career by winning both the 1600m (4:15.13) and the 3200m (9:18.76). Teammate, Riley Doherty, finished fifth in the 3200m, with a time of 9:28.98. For Lincoln’s boys, who finished tenth overall, it was all about the relays. Their 4x400m team ran a blazing 3:17.53 to earn fourth place in one of the fastest 4x400m races in Florida this year. The Trojan’s also broke their school record in the 4x800m (for the third time this season!), running a stellar time of 7:58.35 and taking third place.

It has been a great week to be a fan of track and field in the Big Bend. Once again, our athletes have brought pride and recognition to the Tallahassee area. I know that I am happy to conclude my reporting on such a high note, and I also know there will be many more high notes in the future of Tallahassee cross country and track. Luckily, these shining moments will not go unrecognized in my absence. Soon, I will be naming my successor, and passing the Stoltz Report on to the next generation. I thank David Yon and Fred Deckert for giving me this opportunity, and the entire Tallahassee running community for actually reading my mindless musings. Next year, I too will become a reader, and I cannot wait to see what golden (hint hint) touches the new author adds.

Editor’s Note

So this is my first time being sad posting Jana’s column as it is her last as our special high school correspondent. She has been terrific. While she is winding up her high school career she is off to college in San Francisco and I am counting on hearing from her now and again with more great Stoltzing! All the best, Jana and thanks for all the great writing (and running)!