BLYTHEWOOD – Eleven Bengals received All State honors following their performances at the 5A Track and Field State Championship meet on May 17.
Receiving All State honors are Olivia Taylor, Anna Kelly, Peyton Hightower, Alexandra Franciquie, Patience Lisbon, D’ara Bolt, Hayley Hightower, Jurnee Warren, Aminah Rhone, Mallorie Hogue, and Madison Ross.
Taylor finished second in the 400 meter dash and also had a season-best time in the 100 meter dash. She finished third in that event and also finished eighth in long jump.
Kelly finished in fifth place in the 3200 meter run with her fastest time of the season and a new school record of 11:15.48. She was also a member of the 4×800 relay team that finished in third place.
Peyton Hightower finished first in the 400 meter dash and was a member of the girls 4×400 championship relay team.
Francique was a member of the girls 4×400 championship relay team.
Lisbon had her season-best time in 400 meter hurdles for fourth place, finished sixth in 100 meter hurdles, and was a member of the girls 4×400 championship relay team.
Bolt finished second in triple jump.
Hogue, Kelly, Hayley Hightower, and Warren ran the 4×800 meter relay with their fastest time of the season for third place.
Hayley Hightower also placed sixth in the 800 meter run.
Rhone took first in 100 meter hurdles with and placed seventh in 400 meter hurdles. She also ran in the 4×100 meter relay; the team finished with their fastest time of the season (47.75) in fourth place.
Ross was also a member of the 4×100 meter relay team, and she came in eighth in 400 meter hurdles.
Bolt and Lisbon graduate and will not return to the team for the 2025 season. Otherwise, Blythewood sits poised to reload and run for their third title in a row.
Blythewood coach Aleshia Hawkins was named 5A Girls Coach of the Year by the SC track and Cross Country Coaches Association after leading the Bengals to their second state title in a row.
