It was an exciting second day of action across the Natural State, with athletes taking their talents to another level as the upcoming state championships loom.
Distance runners dominated on Tuesday and now is our chance to take a look at six performers who helped their teams score in more ways than one.
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP HUB
Winston Harp Breaks Out
It was an incredible day for the junior from Providence Academy, who helped lead his team to their first Region 3A-1 conference title.
Winston Harp picked up wins in the 800m, 1,600m, and 3,200m, setting a personal best time in the 3,200m in 10:24.40 - the 3rd fastest time run in 3A this season.
Along with the 3A cross country state champion Rocky Stone, Harp enters next weekend chasing the two title favorites in 3A, Aiden Dellimore and Caleb McFarland, who won the three distance races last night at the Regional 3A-6 Championships.
Guess Who
I'll give you a hint. She won the 400m, 800m, 1,600m, and 3,200m last night in Lincoln. If you guessed Gabbie Bishop, you'd be correct.
I have run out of words to describe the junior from Providence Academy. She's been incredible this season and it should come as no surprise that the Patriots asked their most reliable runner to grab as many points as possible.
Let this be your introduction to Jackson Prescott.
The freshman from Arkadelphia won the 1,600m and 3,200m at yesterday's Region 4A-7 championship meet and gave me plenty of reasons to believe he could be one of Arkansas' next great distance runners.
In the final race of the season, Prescott will earn valuable experience, racing against the best 4A has to offer.
Wire to Wire?
Considering how competitive the state of Arkansas is getting in the distance events, it's impressive any time someone wins a state title during the fall cross country season and spring track season. Olivia Prothro is looking to do just that.
The junior from Mountainburg picked up three massive victories at the Region 2A-4 conference meet, winning the 800m, 1,600m, and 3,200m and earning an extra dose of momentum entering next Tuesday's state meet.
Oh, and she set a new personal best in the discus as well - talk about versatility.
Baltz and Whitely Dominate at Region 4A-3
There isn't much to say about last night;s 4A-3 distance races. Simply put, Alice Baltz and Brent Whitely dominated.
Baltz, a freshman from Brookland, and Whitely, a sophomore from Pocahontas, each won the 800m, 1,600m, and 3,200m events and will enter next week as serious contenders to podium in whatever events these choose to compete in.
