Fort Mill and Northwestern Clash in High-Octane Track and Field Duel

Fort Mill, SC – A showdown of track and field titans unfolded last night as  Northwestern hosted Fort Mill, delivering a spectacle of speed, strength, and endurance. Both teams showcased their depth and talent, with state-leading athletes battling for supremacy.

The Northwestern boys entered the meet with a formidable sprinting arsenal, spearheaded by Austin Smith, South Carolina’s top-ranked 400m runner (47.63 seconds), and Xavier Means, a powerhouse in the 100m (10.8 seconds) and 200m (21.84 seconds). Fort Mill countered with their exceptional distance runners: Connor Demmerle, boasting a sub-2-minute 800m and a 4:19.56 1600m (5th in the state), and Issac Campbell, who clocked a 9:40.24 in the 3200m.

The Fort Mill girls arrived with their own impressive credentials. Alivia Cleveland held the state’s second-fastest 1600m time (5:03.11), closely followed by Kaylee Rovenstine (5:04.49, 4th in the state) and a top-10 3200m time (11:16.91). Mia Williams displayed versatility, ranking high in the long jump (11th, 5.5 meters), triple jump (6th, 11.61 meters), and 100m (10th, 12.06 seconds).

The meet ignited with Northwestern seizing early momentum, sweeping the 4x100m relays. Fort Mill responded emphatically, dominating the 4x800m relays. The hurdles events saw Fort Mill’s girls gain a slight edge, while Northwestern’s boys surged ahead. Xavier Means delivered a blistering 10.81-second 100m, with teammate Jaylin Anderson trailing at 11.06 seconds, extending Northwestern’s lead. Maliyah Jones of Northwestern won the girls 100m, but Fort Mill’s Reagan Hyslip secured second place, preserving Fort Mill’s overall lead.

Fort Mill’s girls then surged, sweeping the top five spots in the 1600m, led by Cleveland, Rovenstine, and Marlee Cook. The Fort Mill boys mirrored this feat, sweeping the top five in their 1600m, with Demmerle, Hudson Haley, Owen Ware, and Issac Campbell all breaking the 4:30 mark.

Marlee Cook added to Fort Mill’s tally with a victory in the 400m, followed by Mia Williams in second. Northwestern’s Austin Smith won the boys 400m in a blazing 48.87 seconds. Fort Mill’s Kaelynn Fleming won the girls 400m hurdles, while Northwestern’s boys took the top two spots in their race.

The 800m solidified Fort Mill’s girls’ victory, with Cleveland and Cook leading a dominant performance, finishing 1st-4th and 6th-10th. Demmerle won the boys 800m in 1:58.23, with Fort Mill securing 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 7th-10th.

The 200m showcased diverse talent, with Mia Williams (Fort Mill) winning in 25.54 seconds, followed by Northwestern’s Maliyah Jones, Lewisville’s Zakaria Gillcrese, and Chester’s Maddison McCree. Xavier Means (Northwestern) won the boys race in 21.84, with strong finishes from teammates and competitors.

In the 3200m, Fort Mill’s girls and boys swept the top four places, with Rovenstine, Ella Demmerle, Owen Ware, and Issac Campbell all delivering impressive times.

The 4x400m relays concluded the track events. The Fort Mill girls, already victorious, finished with a time of 4:25.04. The Northwestern boys secured a decisive win in 3:24.77, leaving the boys meet outcome in suspense.

The field events saw Fort Mill’s girls dominate, winning five of six events. Addison Feinour (discus), Marisa Jones (high jump), Mia Williams (long and triple jumps), and Kate Marker (shot put) all secured victories. Northwestern’s Irie Morton won the girls javelin.

The boys’ field events were more evenly contested. Fort Mill’s Logan Parker and RJ Oakes took first and second in the high jump. Northwestern’s Amon Moise won the javelin, while Jordan Strong (Lewisville) won the long jump. Northwestern swept the shot put and triple jump.

Despite a brief shower, the athletes delivered an unforgettable night of competition. The Fort Mill girls remain undefeated for the season.