The Randolph Raiders Varsity Indoor Track & Field team kicked off their 2024 season with a strong showing at the *Magic City Invitational #2*, held on Saturday, December 7th, at the prestigious Birmingham Crossplex in Birmingham, AL. With 62 schools and over 1,200 athletes in attendance, the Raiders left the competition with their heads held high, marking the start of what promises to be a thrilling season.

The team achieved impressive results in their first meet, bringing home a total of 19 personal records (PRs) and one athlete who made it to the podium. Additionally, six Raider athletes met the qualification marks for the AHSAA 4A/5A State Meet, setting the stage for further success as the season progresses.

Key Performances

The Raiders were led by standout performances in both track and field events. Senior *Emerson Brinkmeier* started the day with an exceptional performance in the Girls 60 Meter Hurdles, finishing 10th with a time of 9.93 seconds, setting a new personal record and qualifying for the state meet. She also placed 82nd in the 60 Meter Dash, running a time of 8.73 seconds.

In the sprints, *Emily Creekmore* posted a solid time of 8.54 seconds in the 60 Meter Dash, securing 66th place and setting a new PR while qualifying for the state meet. Her teammate *Maggie Cooper* also recorded a personal best in the event, finishing 130th with a time of 9.37 seconds.

The distance races saw *Katelyn Valtos* continue her strong form, setting a new PR in the 800 Meter Run with a time of 2:28.18, placing 6th overall and qualifying for state. In the boys' 800 Meter race, *Jasper Howse* posted a personal best of 2:22.06, finishing 45th and also qualifying for the state meet.

In the Boys 1600 Meter Run, *Andrew Walker* was a standout, finishing 28th with a time of 5:05.10, setting a PR and qualifying for the state meet. His performance in the 800 Meter (2:26.93) further demonstrated his versatility and strength across events.

Field Events

In the field events, the Raiders also made their mark. *Emily Creekmore* posted a solid 15-07.50 in the Long Jump, finishing 11th and qualifying for the state meet. Her teammate *Emerson Brinkmeier* also earned a qualification mark in the Long Jump, with a personal record jump of 13-07.25, placing 39th.

On the boys' side, *Marshall Glaese* threw a personal best 30-04.75 in the Shot Put, finishing 58th, while *Julianne Jones* set a PR in the Girls Shot Put with a throw of 22-09.00, finishing 43rd.

Looking Ahead

The Raiders' first meet of the season not only set a high standard for the rest of the year but also gave the team plenty of momentum moving forward. Next weekend, the team will return to Birmingham for the *Holiday Invitational #1* on Saturday, December 14th. With several athletes already achieving qualifying marks for the state meet and many others showing significant improvement, expectations are high for what the Raiders will accomplish in the coming weeks.

For those following the team’s journey, be sure to stay updated on their progress and see more photos from their events by following them on Instagram @rraiderstf.

Full Meet Results

Key

(Q) - Made Qualification Marks for AHSAA 4A/5A State
PR - Personal Record

**Girls 60 Meter Hurdles**
- *Emerson Brinkmeier*: 9.93, 10th, PR (Q)

**Girls 60 Meter Dash / Boys 60 Meter Dash**
- *Emily Creekmore*: 8.54, 66th, PR (Q)
- *Emerson Brinkmeier*: 8.73, 82nd, PR (Q)
- *Julianne Jones*: 9.22, 120th, PR
- *Maggie Cooper*: 9.37, 130th, PR
- *Marshall Glaese*: 8.08, 137th
- *Nate Smalley*: 9.89, 174th, PR

**Girls 400 Meters / Boys 400 Meters**
- *Katelyn Valtos*: 1:03.67, 25th, PR (Q)
- *Mia Shah*: 1:08.39, 60th, PR (Q)
- *Luc Schamban*: 1:00.76, 101st, PR

**Boys 1600 Meters**
- *Andrew Walker*: 5:05.10, 28th, PR (Q)
- *Landon Lee*: 5:32.61, 47th
- *Josh Berkholtz*: 5:34.60, 50th, PR
- *Tucker Lee*: 5:46.21, 61st

**Girls 800 Meters / Boys 800 Meters**
- *Katelyn Valtos*: 2:28.18, 6th, PR (Q)
- *Jasper Howse*: 2:22.06, 45th, PR (Q)
- *Andrew Walker*: 2:26.93, 54th, PR
- *Josh Berkholtz*: 2:35.90, 63rd, PR
- *Landon Lee*: 2:41.80, 69th
- *Tucker Lee*: 2:46.13, 78th, PR

**Girls Long Jump**
- *Emily Creekmore*: 15-07.50, 11th (Q)
- *Emerson Brinkmeier*: 13-07.25, 39th, PR (Q)

**Girls Shot Put / Boys Shot Put**
- *Julianne Jones*: 22-09.00, 43rd, PR
- *Marshall Glaese*: 30-04.75, 58th, PR