A week after Dawson County High School wrapped up its track and field season, many future varsity Tigers set out to compete at the Georgia Recreation and Park Association State Championships in Jefferson on Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13. 

Coached by Julie and Greg Allshouse, Dana and Bill Loring, and Josh Harrison, these young athletes participated in a wide variety of events.

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“All of these athletes gave a great effort this season,” Julie Allshouse said. “It has been a joy to watch these kids grow as athletes and gain confidence during competition.”

Two athletes who are the closest in age to becoming varsity athletes had some of the best performances for the parks and rec Tigers.

Self-taught javelin thrower Mitchell Allshouse was the boys state champion in the 13 to 14-year-old age group with a throw of 95 feet, 8.5 inches.  

Fellow teenager Moses Angle also had a big day, finishing second in the 400-meter dash and third in the discus throw. 

Athena Paulk rounded out the podium placers in that age group with a fifth-place finish in the girls shot put.

In the 11 to 12-year old category, Samuel Loring finished third in the discus while Noah Gloeckner — one of many talented siblings — broke the 6-minute mark in the mile run to place third.  

Whitaker Harrison had a pair of podium results, placing fourth in the javelin and fifth in the shot put. 

There were also notable results from the youngest athletes — with Jude Angle earning a runner-up finish in the 9 to 10-year old javelin event and Titus Angle placing sixth in the 8 and under javelin competition.