THOMASVILLE – The future is now for the Cairo High track and field boys and girls teams.
Cairo coach Chester Hightower has high hopes for both squads with the start of the season just a couple of weeks away.
“It’s a new year and this team has to find its own and own it; try to be better than last year,” Hightower said. “The interesting thing about this team is this year may be our best team overall on the guys side. Next year, the future is even brighter on the women’s side.
“(Region championship) is always the goal; get the first taste of that region and we’re going to try to move forward to accomplish that team goal of winning a state championship. At the end of the day, it’s a process and you have to enjoy every moment and embrace the process along the way.”
There are multiple pieces to Cairo’s boys team, starting with senior Corey Baker, the two-time defending region champion in the 100 meters and once in the 200 meters. He was also part of the 4×200-meter relay team that won region and set a new school record. Octavian Teal returns in the long jump where he won region. He also placed in the top eight in the 100 meters and was second fastest on the team.
The boys squad has come a long way in recent years, Hightower said.
“Just the leadership, the seniors. They saw the program when it was at its lowest and in their senior year, they were able to accomplish one of their goals as a senior class. We’re just trying to find that leadership; again, dealing with different students and trying to make sure the job still gets done,” Hightower said.
Hightower’s daughter, sophomore Zykierra Hightower, is one of the star returnees on the girls team. She was a state qualifier last year in the 400 meters and was part of the 4×200-meter relay team that finished fifth. Sophomore Denaisha Spencer made the state sectionals in the 100 meters.
Cairo’s track and field season will kick off Feb. 20 at Godby High School (Fla.).