Results, Photos: FCA & Justin Gatlin Panhandle Championships

March 30, 2014

About two dozen high school track and field teams competed Saturday in the FCA & Justin Gatlin Panhandle Championships at Washington High School.

For the women, Pine Forest High School finished first, followed by Niceville, Bay, Fort Walton Beach and Spanish Fort. Among North Escambia area teams, West Florida High finished eighth, followed by Tate at 16th and Northview at 21st.

For the men, Fort Walton Beach finished first, followed by West Florida, Pine Forest, Pensacola and Washington, Among other North Escambia schools, Tate was 11th, and Northview was 18th.

With fewer athletes competing, and no entries in some events, smaller schools like Northview are at a disadvantage when paired against the Panhandle’s largest schools.  Northview’s Cameron Newsome (pictured top) placed fourth overall in the Men’s High Jump at 6-feet, 2-inches.

For complete results, click here.

For a photo gallery, click here.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

3 Responses to “Results, Photos: FCA & Justin Gatlin Panhandle Championships”

  1. THE DOER on March 30th, 2014 6:55 pm

    It’s exciting to see someone get fired up, CC Coach. You totally misinterpreted what I said. I have addressed my concerns with the school board, the principals and concerned parents. Our school system is not perfect. No one said they were, and no one is “attacking coaches.” Do you understand sarcasm? That is exactly the point when I wrote, “Why should we foster things like cross country?” Ernest Ward had ONE Cross Country meet this past year for their students, which was held during the school day at Northview. The other two were optional and were held on a Saturday. Northview does not have a swim team because there is no one qualified to coach it. It will take more than a volunteer parent to get things going at schools, as I’m sure you know. You must have qualified coaches. Geesh. The point is that our schools are so focused on teaching FCAT skills all day to students (especially the ones who could benefit the most from things OTHER than academics), that we fail in these extra-curricular areas. Our kids cannot even see what their athletic talents are (in many cases) or they have to quit sports because they have to sit in learning strategies classes, etc. This needs to change.

    The northend was promised the world when Century and Ernest Ward consolidated. We are short so many things on this end. Yes, we are smaller, but that shouldn’t matter. Trust me: I’m on your side! We just need to change our approach at the district and state levels. For some kids, something outside of reading, writing, arithmetic is what will excel them into success –one way or the other.

    As far as backing things financially at schools, I already do. I am one of those parents and volunteers!

  2. CC Coach on March 30th, 2014 1:52 pm

    Since you are such a “Doer” maybe you should address your concerns and suggestions with the school board. I do suggest you get your facts straight.

    The school system tries to give many opportunities to ALL students to enhance a well balanced curriculum during the day and with extracurricular activities. Many teachers and volunteers work continuously with students with what they are passionate about. Coaches and Sponsors will work with 1 or 100 students; it is awarding enough to see students actively engaged in positive activities. The sport or skill might not interest you, “Doer” However, it encourages many students to perform well in school in order to compete in their extracurricular club or sport. Their coach or sponsor typically pushes them to be the best they can be not necessarily for college, but for their own potential. Most importantly, extracurricular students take what they learned in sports and clubs with them into the work place or college-team work.
    As a cross country coach I inspire my athletes to put their education first and foster their athletic ability second. I focus on making well rounded young women and men that will contribute in society. They need to be mind, body, and soul strong.
    As for the Ernest Ward country team, it is coached by a volunteer and there was more than one meet.
    Unfortunately, there is not a swim team at Northview for a variety of reasons. However, with your “Doer skills” you could volunteer your time and financially back the expenses. There are students and parents that would appreciate your generosity.

  3. The DOER on March 30th, 2014 7:20 am

    We could have many more athletes participating than we do, if we quit trying to make everyone collegiate bound. We need to focus on specialty skills for some students, such as mechanics, culinary, agriculture. Those who want to go to college will display this way before high school. If we were to do that, we would have many more students eligible and with time available for extra-curricular sports. Then again, why should we foster things like cross country? Ernest Ward had one cross country meet this year for their students. And the two young ladies who won in the diving team category? Enjoy it because Northview doesn’t have a swim team, sadly enough.