Anniston, AL – Connell sprints to becoming the first indoor track state champion Ohatchee’s Ferguson climbs to third place in the state championship
By Joe Medley
Estella Connell continues to add to her record as a high school elite athlete. She made Donoho’s history on Friday at the national indoor track championships. She was the first to finish in the long jump becoming the first school’s indoor national champion. Connell was not Calhoun County’s only champion on Friday. In Ohatchee, Chris Ferguson won his third title in the 1A-3A pole vault and the second indoor title.
The Oxford’s Noah George, the county’s two-time cross country champion was third place in the 3,200-meter race and was third in the 1,600. Donoho also took third place finishing in the shotput from Walker Bodiford in the shotput. For Connell who was also second place in the triple jump creating history was an incredible. “Being capable of holding the distinction as the very first track and field indoor champion of Donoho is truly amazing and I am extremely thankful,” she said. “I am certain that I have this opportunity this day because of my opportunities God has provided me with. I can truly do anything because of Christ who has strengthened me.
“Today I put my head into the sand and am super excited to see what is in store for my team on the outdoor!” Connell’s winning jump was 15-07.25 Four inches higher than Brillian’s Abbygail Humphries. “Estella has been able to bring home top-three medals at state in the past,” Donoho coach Hayley Long stated. “However this long jump was a special one. “We have put in a lot of effort to improve speed in that pit and paid off. Donoho is the first state championship in the indoor arena. I’m looking for her outdoor shows.”
Ferguson has extended his winning streak up to 3 golds. He won indoor and outside in 2022 before taking outdoor on Friday. His vault that won was cleared 13-06. “I’m extremely happy,” he said. “I started the year with a rough start, but I finally put everything together today. There were some rough weeks, but I began to put it all together in the past two weeks. “Had some solid jumps early to boost confidence, then simply rolled into it. Super satisfied to have won the 2nd 1A-3A pole vault state champion. It’s exciting to take the momentum into outdoor, and also to extend my time.” Bodiford’s third place finish was his first year to throw the shot. He was 42-06 when he threw his shot. St. James’ Connor Owens took home the state title at 47-03. George was the time of 9:33.42 for the 3,200 race, close to 15 seconds faster than the time that was set by St. Paul’s Stone Smith (9:18.52). George was third in the 1,600 , clocking 4:22.95. [read more…]
