ATHENS — Putnam County track and field girls athletes Faith Watkins and Aubree Butts capped their seasons on one of Georgia’s biggest stages May 12, competing in the GHSA Class A Division I state meet at the University of Georgia’s Spec Towns Track.
The experience came with a mix of breakthrough performances and valuable state-level exposure, as both girls left Athens with key milestones from their spring campaigns.
Butts delivered the highlight of the day for Putnam County in the 200-meter dash, finishing seventh overall with a personal-record time of 26.33 seconds. The freshman’s performance marked a strong close to a steady postseason climb. She entered state after running 26.80 at sectionals, a time that matched her region performance, where she placed second, and she found another gear on her biggest stage.
Watkins competed in the triple jump, finishing 12th with a mark of 33 feet, 11 inches. While she did not reach the podium, the sophomore showed growth across the postseason. At sectionals, Watkins secured her spot at state with a jump of 33 feet, 2 inches, making her state-meet mark an improvement over her qualifying performance.
Putnam County head coach Kedric Manning praised both athletes for their development throughout the season and the strides they made adapting to the demands of high-level competition.
“Both girls really did well. I think a light switch came on for both of them this year,” Manning said. “It started off a little rocky because they’d never done those types of workouts before, but once they embraced the training, you started seeing things change — especially their mindset.”
Manning noted Watkins’ trip to state as a 10th grader should serve as an important building block moving forward, even if the final result did not reflect her goals for the day.
“Faith went up and didn’t have the showing she wanted at state, but she did get there,” Manning said. “And to get there and taste that as a 10th grader, we’re hoping that sparks even more drive for the future.”
Butts, meanwhile, made an immediate impact as a freshman, not only reaching the state meet but also producing a personal record in the 200-meter dash while advancing through her heat.
“Aubree as well, she got up there, took second in her heat, ran a [personal record], and did some really special things as a freshman,” Manning said. “You don’t get athletes like that every year, especially on the girls’ side.”
He added that Butts’ long-term development will be a key focus for the program moving forward.
“We want to take our time, really mold and develop her so she can become the girls’ version of what Bill was for the boys,” Manning said.
Manning also pointed to Watkins’ work ethic after joining the track season following a deep basketball playoff run, noting her commitment through a demanding transition period.
“Faith came in … and took no days off,” Manning said. “She made every practice, never cut corners, and it showed.”
As Putnam County turns the page to next season, both Watkins and Butts will return with valuable postseason experience and still plenty of room to grow.