Kevin Burroughs Breaks 41-Year Old 800 Meters Record, Also Takes 1,600 And Javelin, In South Carolina; US#3 Long Jump For Neale Johnson

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

West Florence senior Kevin Burroughs delivered a historic finish when it mattered most. At the South Carolina Class 5A Division II State Track and Field Championships, held May 15–17 at Spring Valley High School in Columbia. Burroughs shattered a 41-year-old state record in the 800 meters — propelling his team to its first state championship title.

Burroughs clocked 1:49.64, a personal best, and a time that broke Hartsville’s Terrence Harrington time of 1:52.04 set in 1984. Burroughs added to his historic day by winning the 1,600 ( 4:18.18) and javelin (184-4) titles. West Florence finished with 75 points to claim the state title.

In the field, Nation Ford’s Neale Johnson won the long jump with a huge mark of 25-3.25, good for US#3.

Fort Mill won the girls Class 5A Division 2 title, the program’s second straight. Alivia Cleveland won the 1,600 (5:07.82), while teammate Kaylee Rovenstone won the 3,200 (11:11.98). Fort Mill also won the 4x800 (9:30.92).

Nicola Visser of Lucy Beckham won the pole vault (10-11.75), 400 hurdles (1:03.94) and was third in the 100 hurdles (14.65).

Class 5A Division 1

The Blythewood girls scored 107 to win a third straight state title. Blythewood was led by standout sophomore Peyton Hightower, who clocked a US#14 time in the 400 (53.12). Hightower was fourth in the 200. Teammate Brooke Bramlett was first in the 100 hurdles (13.89) while Aminah Rhone won the 400 hurdles in 1:01.74. Blythewood also claimed the 4x400 in 3:48.77.

In the field, Ashley Ridge’s Alana Braxton claimed the triple jump (40-5) and long jump (19-4).

The Ridge View boys moved up from 4A this spring and didn’t miss a beat, winning the 5A DI title with 76 points. Spartanburg was a close second with 71 points.

Ridge View’s Jordyn Best won the 100 (10.53) and was third in the 200. Ring View also won the 4x100 (40.88).

Spartanburg’s Knox Eaton won the 800 (1:54.89) and 1,600 (4:16.47).

4A - Richland Northeast, Columbia

The Gray Collegiate girls finished with 61 points to win the 4A title after claiming the 2A title a year ago.

Tamara Steward won the 100 hurdles (14.83), second in the 400 hurdles (1:02.63) and claimed the long jump (17-11.75).

Lower Richland’s Jhnai Sumter won the shot put with a distance of 41-9.25.

The Seneca boys edged out Wren, 54-53 for the 4A title. Senior Avery Butler won the disc (191-9) and was second in the shot put (54-4).

On the track, Richland Northeast’s Ethan Moody won the 100 (10.59), 110 hurdles (14.05) and 400 hurdles (52.00), a US#5 time.

3A - Richland Northeast, Columbia

Sophomore Keanna Tate led the way for Mountain View Prep as she won the 200 (24.60) and 400 (55.55). The team also claimed the 4x100 (47.20), 4x400 (3:58.70).

In the jumps, Gettis D Broome’s Shamya Wilikins won the long jump (18-3.25) and triple jump (37-0.50) titles. 

The Waccamaw boys 90.50 points as junior Wade Leventis won the 400 in 47.86. Waccamaw also claimed the 4x400 in 3:24.27.

Crescent sophomore Amari Acker won the 100 (10.52) and 200 (21.35). The team also won the 4x100 (42.04).

2A - Spring Valley

The Philip Simmons girls crushed to a 2A state title at Spring Valley, putting up an impressive 148 points. Laura Perry led the charge for the team with victories in the 3,200 (11:43.58) and 1,600 (5:13.59). Teammate Flynn Taylor won the 800 (2:19.06).

In the field events, Ashley Roush won the pole vault for Philip Simmons, clearing 11-8. Philip Simmons captured second, fourth and sixth place in the vault. Roush also added a title in the long jump (16-4.25).

The Fairfield Central boys ran their way to a second consecutive state title with 101 points. Senior Tydarion Grier won the 100 (10.31) and 200 (21.37), while teammates Jamie Brown claimed the 400 (48.61) and Hank White won the 800 (1:53.32). Fairfield won the 4x100 (41.12), 4x400 (3:23.00).

1A - Richland Northeast, Columbia

The Bamberg-Ehrhardt girls claimed the 1A title with 96 points.

In the sprints, Breyanna Williams of Blackville-Hilda won the 100 (12.41), 200 (25.52) and 400 (58.09). She also finished second in the 100 hurdles.

Ansley Prescott of Dixie swept the distance events claiming the 800 (2:20.21), 1,600 (5:06.55)and 3,200 (12:01.27) titles.

The Calhoun County boys claimed the 1A crown with five first-place finishes as they scored 108 points.

Team Champions

Class 5A Division 1: Ridge View boys 91 points, Blythewood girls 107 points

Class 5A Division 2: West Florence boys 75 points, Fort Mill girls 100 points

Class 4A: Seneca boys 54 points; Gray Collegiate girls 61 points

Class 3A: Waccamaw boys 90.50 points; Mountain View Prep girls 87 points

Class 2A: Fairfield Central boys 101 points, Philip Simmons girls 148 points

Class 1A: Calhoun County boys 108 points, Bamberg-Ehrhardt girls 96 points