Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent

Richmond Hill's Timothy Alston Jr. became a state champion when he won the 110 hurdles in 13.92 at the GHSA Track and Championships at the University of Georgia Spec Towns Track in Athens. Alston Jr. not only broke his own record (14.01 shared by senior Kendrick Joshua), but the senior also did it on the track where he will continue his career next year.

Alston was among athletes from their boys’ and girls’ teams who placed in the top 10 in their respective events for the Wildcats at the meet. In addition to his gold medal, Alston Jr. was fifth in the 300 hurdles in 37.99.

“I feel amazing,” said Alston. “I have gone through so much adversity these past three years and then to finally win in the biggest stage of the season.

“Wih the meet being here at UGA is also amazing. There also was one thing that was missing, and now I have it.”

Alston Jr. recalled how he had finally overcome his obstacles at the state meet in the past. During his sophomore year, he stumbled throughout the race, and he had a false start that disqualified him last year.

He also discovered a piece that was missing from his races.

“I think I was just missing that patience,” stressed Alston Jr. “It was a matter of not trying to go too fast, but let the race come to me rather than rushing."

Joshua won the 300 hurdles in 36.51, and he was second in the long jump with a mark 24-7.75.

Junior Jaleal Barnard placed in two events, finishing second in the shot put (52-6.50) and 10th in the discus (148-8).

Barnard saw it as an overall worthwhile experience.

“It went really well,” he said. “I even learned some things from my competitors.”

Sophomore Chloe Miller recorded a pair of third-place finishes in the 1,600 (4;58.19) and in the 800 (2:13.59).

Miller was pleased with her day, and she broke her own school record in the 1,600.

“I feel like I did well in the 1600, but I did not have the best start,” offered Miller. “I started in the back but as the race went on I slowly caught up and ended up getting 3rd place in the state. I felt very good during the whole race. We went out fast but I was able to keep that pace and pass lots of girls that burned out.”

Registering fourth-place finishes in the 400 were freshman Trinity Perine (54.99) and senior Jayden Taylor (48.38) along with junior Maleaha Pritchett in the 1oo hurdles (14.74).

Junior Eddie Howell was fifth in the 1,600 (4:18.76) followed by senior Myles Head (4:19. 22). Howell also was seventh in the 800 (1:57.49) and Head was sixth in the 3,200 (9:19.20).

However, Howell couldn’t find a good pace.

“I ran alright, but I never got comfortable in my race,” said Howell. “I battled hard.”

Junior Gabriella Francis was seventh in the 3,200 (11:08.09).

The boys’ 4 x 400 relay claimed the top spot in 3:13.90. Their 4 x800 relay was fourth (7:59.43) and their 800 relay was ninth (1:28.08).

The girls’ 4 x 400 relay was second in 3;45.77.

Richmond Hill’s boys team finished second behind Carrollton, and the girls’ squad was sixth.