Top Takeaways From Texas A&M Indoor Classic

Jan 08, 2017

The 5A Battle Is Going To Be Crazy

This weekend, it became all the more apparent that the class 5A guys state title is going to be the hardest state title to earn. The defending state champion Fort Bend Marshall is looking for the three-peat, but this year things are going to be a lot tougher. Not only do they have to face off aginst old rivals Lancaster and Waxahachie but they now have a new challenge inside their own region. The Manvel Mavericks and Port Arthur Memorial Mighty Titan's have now dropped down to 5A as well. Manvel was the 2016 6A state runner-up and 2015 state champions. Port Authur Memorial always brings a tough relay contingent. The show of force from several of these 5A powerhouse programs was on display this weekend.

In the sprinting events, things started off hot. On Friday night Fort Bend Marshall's Shamon Ehiemua dropped the 2nd fastest 200m time of 21.74 to qualify for the 200m finals. The only person to run faster than him was George Ranch's Champion Allison, who dropped a 21.67 in prelims. In the finals, Ehiemua again finished 2nd but dropped a blistering 21.29 for U.S. #3. In all, Fort Bend had 8 guys run the 200m with 2 sub 23 and seven sub 24. They also had two athletes Daelyan Smith and Keyshon Limbrick in the 60mH, one in the 60m and three guys in the 400m dash including Tyrell Valentine who took 3rd overall with a 49 flat in the finals. However, the most impressive event from Fort Bend Marshall was their 4x400m relay which ran 3:16.20 for U.S. #1. That time puts them at #10 All-Time indoors and the fastest time in history before Jan 30th of the indoor season.

Manvel had several guys racing as well including the 2016 6A 100m 3rd place finisher Caleb Jolivette. Jolivette posted a 6.92 in the prelims to qualify in 2nd and then ran a 6.89 later on Saturday to place 2nd overall in 60. His teammate Jaren Colbert also ran one heck of a race dropping a 7.03 to finish 8th in the 60m finals. Lancaster and Waxahachie didn't have as many guys represented but they are sure to bring the heat come outdoor. One Lancaster runner who was in the mix running for DeSoto Swift was Jordan Hollis. Hollis helped Swift take 2nd in the 4x400m relay with a time of 3:18.59, and finished 4th in the 200m dropping a 21.83.