Patriots post strong performances at State Meet

Even before the season started, Homewood head track and field coach Tom Esslinger knew his Patriot girls would face an uphill battle in their quest for a Class 6A indoor state title.

With Pelham returning nearly all members from its 2015 championship team, it would take a series of Panther miscues for the blue trophy to change possessors.

At the AHSAA State Indoor Track and Field Championships, held Feb. 5-6 at the Birmingham CrossPlex, those foibles never came, as the Homewood girls secured a second straight runner-up finish, totaling 88 points to Pelham’s 98.

“Well, we were obviously disappointed not to win, but at the same time I think we really have to give credit to Pelham just because every step of the way they really didn’t have a lot of mistakes, and they stepped up and really performed well,” Esslinger said. “At the same time, we’re really, really proud of our girls. They did everything we asked of them. We had some ups and downs, but overall we really think we had a great meet.”

Fueled by top-notch performances from Elysa Griffin, Caroline Lawrence, Ann Mosely Whitsett and Jasmine Griffin, the Patriot girls certainly didn’t go down without a fight.   

After scratching her first two attempts, Elysa Griffin, the reigning indoor long jump state champ, unleashed a leap of 5.51 meters (18-1) to outjump the field by one inch and defend her title. She also placed third in the 60-meter dash and ran legs on the state champion 4x200 meter and 4x400-meter relay teams.

The 4x200 relay, composed of the Griffin sisters, Whitsett and Christian Hill, recorded a blistering time of one minute, 42.72 seconds to win by nearly five seconds. The 4x400 relay, comprised of the Griffin sisters, Lawrence and Kristie Looney, crossed the line in 4:04.60.

In addition to her spot on the relay, Lawrence earned an individual title in the high jump, clearing the bar at 1.62 meters (5-4).

“Her winning that was huge just because at that time that really put us back in the hunt to win,” Esslinger said.

Whitsett placed second in the 400 meters and third in the 800 meters, while Jasmine Griffin tallied a fifth-place finish in the 60 and fourth-place finish in the 400.

Notably, Aiya Finch posted a third-place finish in the triple jump.

On the boys side, Homewood totaled 58 points behind strong showings from Andy Smith and Jackson White, tallying a third-place finish.

Smith, battling back from injury, collected the seventh individual state title of his decorated career, cruising to a 3,200-meter victory in 9:46.93. He also captured a fifth-place finish in the 1,600 meters, posting a time of 4:34.95.

“For him to come back was really a high point,” Esslinger said. “I think it sets Andy up really well for a great outdoor season.”

In the pole vault, White soared over the bar at 3.50 meters (11-6), sealing a runner-up finish.

Additionally, the boys 4x800 relay rolled to a state championship for the third in a year row. Comprised of Tucker Wilson, Sean Conboy, Paul Selden and Hunter Poole, the relay notched a time of 8:14.36.

Inspired by the positive performances from the state meet, Esslinger believes the future of the Patriot program looks exceptionally bright.

“I want to thank our coaching staff – Lars Porter, Josh Donaldson and Deanna Swope — they do an amazing job just all the way around; we feel really fortunate,” Esslinger said, “Between that and the kids doing everything they can, we feel like we’re in a good spot to keep competing for championships.”