Madalyn Walters and Christine Parker are headed to Albany for the girls’ state track meet this weekend. Both runners qualified at last week’s Region 8-AA girls track meet held at East Jackson High School.

“I’m really proud of these two young ladies,” said Dawson County High School Head Track Coach Arron Haynes. “Christine is a senior and has really improved this year, while Madalyn had a great cross country season and it carried over into track.”

Walters, a freshman, finished second in the 1600-meters on Saturday and set a school record with a time of 5:33.

Walters will compete this Friday evening at 7:50 p.m. with a chance to win state.

She has recorded the fourth best time. Lauren Kester, GACS, has the best time with a 5:23.48. Kester is followed by Rebecca Greenwall of North Oconee and Kelli Arnold from Bleckley County.

Haynes said about his 1600 meter star: “Madalyn could finish in the top five easy if she runs well. I think she has a chance and that’s all you can ask for.”

Parker won the region championship in the 3200 meter event with a time of 12:44. She blew by last year’s reigning state champion to win the title. Parker will run on Thursday at 8:35 p.m.

“Christine came out of nowhere this year to be a force on our track team,” remarked Haynes. “I think she has obviously improved more than anyone on our team. Christine should run really well this weekend.”

Parker has the fourth best time posted coming into the state meet.

She trails Allison Mangham from Pike County. Mangham ran the best-recorded time in the event, coming in with a time of 14.190.

Also just ahead of Parker are Lauren Kester from GACS and Astacia Watkins from Central Macon.

The state track meet will be held at Hugh Mills Stadium in Albany.

E-mail Pam Jacobs at sports@dawsonnews.com.