WINSTON-SALEM — Two student-athletes represented the Richmond Senior High School girls’ indoor track and field team on the biggest stage Wednesday.
Competing in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 7A state championship meet at the JDL Fast Track, senior Ka’mora Watkins and freshman Shamia Williams were the only two Lady Raiders to qualify.
In order to make the state championship meet, both Watkins and Williams finished the regular season as one of the top 12 performers in her respective events.
Watkins, who was a state championship returner, competed in the triple jump. Making her first appearance as a ninth grader, Williams participated in the long jump.
Both Lady Raiders just missed out on reaching the podium, and it was Williams who was the closest in the long jump.
In the field of 11 jumpers, Williams recorded her longest jump at 17 feet, 0 inches. That mark placed her fourth overall, just one spot off the podium.
Winning the event was Aleah Weight (18 feet, 9.25 inches) of Chapel Hill High School. Just ahead of Williams were Marvin Ridge High School’s Farrah Anderson (18 feet, 3.5 inches) and Mariah Joiner (Cuthbertson High School) at 17 feet, 4.75 inches.
Watkins, who was a qualified high jumper at the state championship her sophomore season, competed in the triple jump this season.
Of her three attempts, her best effort was 33 feet, 7.25 inches, placing her 11th overall. Winning the individual state championship in the event was Weight (38 feet, 0.75 inches).
Although Watkins didn’t place as high on the leaderboard as she wanted to, she’s using the state championship as a learning experience for the upcoming outdoor track and field season this spring.
“It was very sad (not placing) because it’s my last year and I know I could have done way better,” Watkins said. “But I’m also happy because I made it to states again for my last year. I’ve learned that even though I didn’t get a medal, I still made a big accomplishment for my last year.
“I’m looking forward to still jumping in the spring, and also try to run just a little bit. My goals are to jump further and just put in more work to better myself and give it my all for my last year.”
The Lady Raider outdoor team held its final day of tryouts Thursday afternoon.
