By John Goolsby, For the Tribune
GULF SHORES-The Hewitt-Trussville Boys and Girls Track & Field teams closed out the 2023 season with 3rd place finishes at the AHSAA State meet this past weekend.
“I am really proud of how our athletes never gave up in a battle against a lot of great teams, and I am happy we had both teams finish in the top 3 against such a competitive field,” said head coach Tom Esslinger. “The team did an outstanding job of handling adversity throughout the meet and showed strength of character all season.”
Tori Mack won the 100 meter hurdles championship, Brianna Beckham was champion in the 200 meter dash, and Madisyn Hawkins brought home the discus title.
Michael Igbinoghene (Long Jump), the Boys 4×100 team of Nathan Thomas, Malachi Johnson, Jadon Loving and Michael Igbinoghene and the Girls 4×400 team of Arianna Fisher, Brianna Beckham, Libby Armstrong, and Emmie Goddellall earned Silver medals for their second-place finishes.
Tyrone Reese and Avery Cahoon were medalists with third-place finishes in the Boys 300 meter hurdles and Girls 800 meter run. The Girls 4×100 relay team of Brianna Beckham, Tori Mack, Jayda Hammonds and Hailey Tolbert also made the podium with a third place finish.
“I am so excited for Brianna, Tori, and Madisyn for bringing home individual titles. They all have put in so much consistent work over a long period of time,” said Esslinger. “We had a lot of medalists and All-State performances, and we are proud of this group for continuing the tradition of being a top-tier program.”
The State meet was bittersweet for Esslinger. It marked his last meet as the Hewitt head coach. He is leaving Hewitt-Trussville for an assistant coaching job at Samford.
“I have spent a good bit of time reflecting on what we have accomplished as a track & field program the last few years,” he said. “It makes me so thankful to have been a part of such a tremendous program with extraordinary athletes, coaches, parents, and a school system that has given us support every step of the way.”
Esslinger’s had great success at Hewitt. The Track & Field program won two team State Championships, three runner-up finishes, two third-place finishes, had 20 individual state titles, one individual national title, 46 school records, and sent 28 athletes to compete at the collegiate level.
“I know Hewitt-Trussville Track and Field will continue being one of the best programs in the state as they move forward with a new head coach,” said Esslinger.