ROME, Ga. – The GHSA A-Division 1 State Championship Track and Field Meet took place at Rome High School’s Barron Stadium from May 9-11, 2024. The Lamar County Trojans put on an impressive performance, boasting several achievements and making school history in the process.
On the boys’ side, sophomore Caleb Laster made significant strides, earning 2nd place in the state for the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.88 seconds. He also finished 5th in the 200-meter dash, clocking in at 22.34 seconds. Another sophomore, distance runner Jordan Anderson, also qualified for state, finishing 16th. In the 110-meter hurdles, Dejon Obermuller earned 3rd place with a time of 15.12 seconds. Dejon also excelled in the 300-meter hurdles, finishing 2nd in the state with a time of 38.87 seconds. Sophomore Elijah Mitchell represented the Trojans in the 110-meter hurdles, finishing 6th in the state with a time of 15.8 seconds. The boys’ 4×200 meter relay team, consisting of Ty Head, Kaiden Keillor, Caleb Laster, and Dejon Obermuller, finished 9th in the state with a time of 1:32.29. Sophomore Ross Hamrick finished 5th in the high jump, marking at 6’00”. Overall, the boys’ team finished 7th in the state, reflecting their hard work throughout the season.
The girls’ team made history with several standout performances, notably by the 4×100 meter relay team and freshman Makayla Watts. The 4×100 meter relay team, comprising Makayla Watts, Aniya Barron, Armani Flewellun, and Samiya Smith, won the state championship with a time of 49.22 seconds, becoming the first female athletes in Lamar County High School history to win a state championship. In the 4×200 meter relay, the team of Ava Bushby, Aniya Barron, Samiya Smith, and Armani Flewellun finished 13th with a time of 1:50.38. Erireyonna Barkley competed in the preliminary rounds of the 100 and 300 meter hurdles, showcasing her talents at the state level. Freshman Makayla Watts’ performance was extraordinary, winning the state championship in both the 100-meter dash (12.17 seconds) and the 200-meter dash (24.27 seconds). Her 200-meter dash time set a new state record in the Georgia High School Association’s Class A. Watts also placed 3rd in the long jump with a distance of 18’0.5″. Watts scored the most points at the championship meet for girls, earning a total 28.5 points and establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with. In the field events, sophomore Madisyn Hardaway finished 12th in the discus, while senior Journi Harris placed 15th in the discus and 5th in the shot put with a throw of 35’8″.
As the track and field season comes to a close, the Lamar County Trojans have demonstrated great talent, resilience, and sportsmanship in a long season. Their achievements at the state championship meet have made the Lamar County community proud.
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
