The Francis Marion Running Rams marked a significant achievement at the 2024 State Track and Field Championships, securing a number of first place trophies and setting school records. The girls’ team firmly held onto 2nd place, challenging Whitesburg for the top spot and ending the event as Division 2-A runners- up, while the boys’ team surged from a 7th place start to close the competition strongly. Key performances included Johnny Hudson and La’Chelsea Moore each winning state titles in the shot put. Tracianna Moore excelled with a 1st place in the 100m hurdles and a 3rd place in the triple jump, both setting new school records. Ke’Lashia Shelton captured 3rd in the 400m, also setting a new school record. Notably, the 4x100m relay teams for both boys and girls reached the finals, showcasing the depth of the team.
Earlier at the AHSAA 2A Section 2 track and field competition hosted by Northridge High School, the girls’ team dominated, taking first place, while the boys’ team finished strong in second place behind B.B. Comer. Highlights included Ja’Mardric Moore setting a new school record with a first-place finish in the discus. Deldrick Shelton showcased his versatility with firsts in both high jump and triple jump, and a second in the 400m. Tracianna Moore, Ke’Lashia Shelton, and La’Chelsea Moore continued their strong performances from the sectionals into the state championships.
Qualifiers from these sectional events who competed at the state championships included prominent athletes such as Elanna Lewis, Tamyia Moore, A’- Naja Tubbs, Amariyah Smith, Tracianna Moore, Ny’Marionna Barron, Yasmine Murphy, Ke’Lashia Shelton, Antasia Moore, Brianna Webb, Ja’Kashia Woods for the girls’ team, and Deldrick Shelton, Javion Smith, Johnny Hudson, Tracy Thomas, Carlton Tutt, Amari Dedrick, Ja’- Mardric Moore, Kingston Hinton, Michael Hopkins, Jeremiah Kynard, Jacaryous Walter, Jamarian Essex for the boys’ team. This broad representation at the state level underlines the strength and depth of the Francis Marion Running Rams in Alabama’s high school track and field circuit.
