One year ago, the Oglethorpe County girls track team saw its streak of podium finishes snapped with a ninth-place result at the state meet. For a program that secured three Class A and AA titles between 2021 and ’24, the uncharacteristic slide served as a wake-up call.
Defending the region title
Last year, both the boys and the girls programs swept the Region 8-A Division I meet. This year, the road to a repeat goes through Banks County on April 20. Co-coach Michael Holland highlighted several key dates:
- Loch Johnson Invitational at Cedar Shoals (March 14): Holland identifies this as a high-stakes, "very competitive" meet that serves as a mid-season barometer.
- Gary Mathews Invitational (March 20): This home meet is the team’s chance to perform in front of the Oglethorpe community
- GHSA state meet (May 12): For the first time, the season culminates at the University of Georgia, offering the Patriots an opportunity to compete at the brand new track facility.
Athletes to watch
The girls roster is loaded with veteran talent and rising stars. They include:
- Jaliyah Turner: Coming off a massive breakout year, Turner is a scoring threat in the hurdles and the triple jump, having placed at state in both events last year.
- Nora Turner: A middle-distance specialist and team leader known for her work ethic.
- Mya Jewell: Holland said Jewel has already shown "tremendous improvement" in early practices.
- The power duo: Throwers Za’Nijha Carter and Taloria Clark return after strong region performances, looking to anchor the field events.
- The future: Look for sophomores Mirakle Merritt and Qi’Dasha Fleming to contribute significantly after a strong freshman introduction.
2026 mantra: ‘Suck it up’
Holland’s philosophy for 2026 is built on mental toughness.
“There’s going to be days when it’s cold, days when you don’t want to be out here,” he said. “It’s just about sucking it up and doing what you have to do to get better.”