We have finally made it: it's state championship week. The best high school athletes in Arkansas are set to compete in the most talented track meet in the state.
Before action across the Natural State begins, be sure to brush up on your Arkansas Track and Field with our comprehensive preview for this week's championship events.
2023 ARKANSAS OUTDOOR STATE MEET COVERAGE:
MEET HUB | LIVE STREAM | MEET PAGE
LaBraylon Washington enters the week ranked 1st in the 110m and 300m hurdle events. Washington finished 3rd at this event in the 110m hurdles last season and looks poised to win his first state title.
Demario Carter is undefeated in the long jump and triple jump events this season. Ranked 1st in 2A in both events, Carter will hope to keep his winning streak intact and cap his high school career with a pair of state championships.
Greenland enters this week's championship with three individuals ranked 1st in 2A as well as 1st in the 4x400m and 4x800m relay events, making them a legitimate threat to win the team championship on Tuesday. Quitman and England also have the firepower needed to power their way to a team championship.
Kambree Gibson has waited patiently for her moment, finishing just short of a state championship the past three years. On Tuesday, it might finally come as the senior is ranked 1st in the 100m and 200m dash events as well as the 110m hurdles.
Elizabeth Merritt will defend her state championships in the 1,600m and 3,200m on Tuesday. The sophomore currently sits 1st in 2A in the 800m and 1,600m events and will hope to add to the three state championships that she has won over the last 12 months.
Both, Kallie Martin and Brea Biley enter this Tuesday's event ranked first in two events. While Martin is looking to defend her two state championships in the long jump and triple jump, Evans is hoping to cap off her senior season with a win at the biggest stage and win her first state title, which could come in a running or field event.
The girls team championship will be hotly contested on Tuesday. Yellville-Summit, Rison, and Quitman would appear to be set up the best for this year's state championship meet, which could come down to every last point.