The stacked AAU Region 18 Qualifier will begin on Thursday June 30th and run through Sunday July 3rd. You can watch LIVE on MileSplit starting at 7:00am Saturday through the end of the events on Sunday.
It is headlined by a sprint heavy lineup that features some of the top athletes in the nation competing for a spot at the AAU Junior Olympics. Here are the top events and athletes to watch:
1. Girls 15-16 100m (Watch Live)
Who: Sha'Carri Richardon, Jania Martin, Jasmine Moore
When: Rolling schedule. Sat prelims starting at 7:00am CST. Sun finals starting at 7:00am CST.
Why: Richardson is the Texas 4A state champion in the 100m. The sophomore sprint star has been making waves this season with her US #2 11.34(+1.9) at the Great Southwest Classic and runner up finish at Brooks PR. She faces off against the 200m 5A State Champion Jania Martin. Martin played a big role in her team winning the 5A state title this year. Also mixing it up against the big sprinters will be triple jump freshman national record holder and New Balance Nationals triple jump champion Jasmine Moore.
2. Boys 17-18 200m (Watch Live)
Who: Keshun Reed, Jackson Gleeson, Jadon Johnson
When: Rolling schedule. Sat prelims starting at 7:00am CST. Sun finals starting at 7:00am CST.
Why: Any time Reed steps onto the track you know you're going to get a show. More known for his 400m talent, it's often forgotten that he was the anchor on the nation leading 4x100m in 2015. His focus during the season is on the relays for his team, so he doesn't often race in the individual events. Combine his 400m strength with the speed he has shown in the 60m indoor, and the LSU bound senior can race his way up the national rankings this weekend.
3. Boys 17-18 400m (Watch Live)
Who: Jadon Johnson, Jordan Hollis, Cameron Neely, Darrin Jackson
When: Rolling schedule. Sat prelims starting at 7:00am CST. Sun finals starting at 7:00am CST.
Why: Don't miss this race! It's going to be a battle for 46s led by Jadon Johnson. He was 4th in the 6A State 400m, and is coming off a narrow 47.13 win in the SW Association Champs last weekend over Jordan Hollis(47.23). The US #8(3:13.4) 4x400m squad from DeSoto is well represented with two quarter mile studs Neely and Jackson.
4. Girls 15-16 200m (Watch Live)
Who: Jania Martin, Sha'Carri Richardson, Bryannia Murphy
When: Rolling schedule. Sat prelims starting at 7:00am CST. Sun finals starting at 7:00am CST.
Why: While Richardson is the heavy favorite in the 100m, she is stepping up into Martin's territory in the 200m. Jania Martin won the 5A State Title(23.60) against some of the top sprinters in the nation. Now Richardson(US #12 23.48) will step up and try to prove herself against a large school division athlete. These girls have never raced head to head, so big bragging rights on the line in the two sprint events.
5. Boys 17-18 110H/400H (Watch Live)
Who: Charles Brockman, Jesus Serrano, Marcel Keeton
When: Rolling schedule. Sat prelims starting at 7:00am CST. Sun finals starting at 7:00am CST.
Why: Brockman had an unfortunate injury at USA Junior Nationals that hurt his chances of making the final. He's back and ready for redemption this weekend. Most notably, this season he won the Great Southwest Classic and was second at the Texas Meet of Champions in the 110H. The 400H aren't run during the Texas regular season, but it only took one race two weeks ago at the AAU District Qualifier for Brockman to throw down a huge US #7 52.59. Brockman spoke to MileSplit on his injury today and said "I'm feeling way better. I've been going to physical therapy and recovery is going great".
BONUS. Open/Masters 100m/200m/400m (Watch Live)
Who: Rhayko Schwartz
When: Rolling schedule Sat/Sun finals starting at 7:00am CST.
Why: The McKinney Boyd grad now running for Western Texas College will be racing for the hat trick this weekend. The sprint specialist wont have much competition in the open races, but he has the potential to post some of the fastest sprint times of the weekend.