The Putnam County boys’ track and field team sent seven athletes to the GHSA Class AA state meet this past weekend and left with a fifth-place overall finish.
The War Eagles’ day was highlighted by junior Jalon Kilgore placing first overall in the long jump. His final mark of 23-7 was a PR and it was good enough to beat out Towers High School’s Elijah Hobson by a very slim margin.
Jalon’s older brother, Gerald, placed third overall in the long jump event. He recorded a PR mark of 22-8.75, which defeated Vidalia’s fourth-place finisher Brandon Beasley (22-3). Gerald also placed second overall in the 400-meter (50.91).
The Kilgore brothers were also part of two PCHS relay teams that had podium finishes.
The War Eagles’ 4x200-meter relay team that consisted of Jalon Kilgore, Gerald Kilgore, Alian Hill and Jermaine Nelson placed second time with a mark of 1:29.87.
Putnam County’s 4x400-meter team, which included both Kilgore brothers, Malik Thornton and DJ Bland, posted a time of 3:28.99, which placed them third overall.
The War Eagles’ fifth-place finish in 2022 at the GHSA Class AA state track meet at Kinnett Stadium in Columbus, Ga. was two spots better than last year’s seventh-place mark.