Hawks advance to sectionals
Clinton Middle School’s track and field program continues to build something special, and the Hawks proved it once again at the TMSAA Class AAA Region 1 championships at Science Hill High School in Johnson City.
Facing some of the top competition in East Tennessee, Clinton athletes turned in a series of podium finishes and breakthrough performances, with multiple Hawks earning medals and advancing to the sectional round. The top four finishers in each event qualified, moving one step closer to a potential state berth.
Leading the way was eighth-grader Levi Braden, who placed second in the long jump with a personal-best leap of 19 feet, 1.75 inches. Braden also added a fourth-place finish in the 100-meter dash, securing two sectional appearances and continuing a standout season.
In the throwing events, Uriyah Pickett delivered a dominant performance in the shot put, finishing second with a throw of 41 feet, 1 inch. Pickett also placed in the discus, showcasing his versatility and strength across multiple events.
Clinton’s 4x100-meter relay team — Bishop DeMott, Matthew Crowe, Uriyah Pickett, and Levi Braden — earned a spot on the podium with a third-place finish, continuing a season-long trend of improvement.
“I am so proud of how much they’ve grown this season,” Head Coach Dorian Ewing said. “My 4x1 team has improved their time at every meet. I can’t wait to see what they do at sectionals.”
The Hawks’ success extended beyond individual performances, reflecting a program-wide commitment to growth and consistency. With several athletes earning medals and advancing, Clinton made its presence known in one of the state’s most-competitive regions.
That challenge will only intensify in the next round. At sectionals, scheduled for Saturday, May 9, at Science Hill High School, Clinton and other Region 1 qualifiers will face top athletes from Region 2, a group that includes powerhouse programs from the Knoxville and Maryville areas.
