The FHSAA 4A Region 1 2023 Track and Field Competition, held on May 5, 2023, at Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, saw athletes from Niceville High School rise to the challenge in one of the toughest regions in the state. 

• The competition was fierce, as 30 schools vied for victory in the boys’ events, and 31 schools battled it out in the girls’ events.

Niceville High School’s track and field program continued to make history under their current coaching staff, achieving their eighth Regional Championship – the only eight in the school’s history. The athletes displayed remarkable progress and determination in breaking school records and securing personal bests during the FHSAA 4A Region 1 competition.

• The varsity boys’ team captured first place with a staggering 97.50 points, leaving Flagler Palm Coast and Creekside trailing in second and third place with 68 and 55 points, respectively. 
• The varsity girls’ team also delivered an impressive performance, clinching first place with 94 points, narrowly edging out Creekside’s 88.50 points and Evans’ 56 points.

Standout performances for the boys included Joseph Hanson, who secured first place in the Shot Put Varsity category with a throw of 17.07 meters (56-0). Oli Broutin, who took second place in the High Jump with a 1.92m (6-3.5) leap, and first place in the Triple Jump with a 14.83m (48-8) jump.

• He also shattered the school record and secured the Regional Championship in the Triple Jump with an impressive leap of 48′ 8″, placing him at #2 in Florida. 

Terrance Powe demonstrated his potential with a massive personal best in the discus, while the boys’ 4x100m relay team broke the school record to advance to the State competition. In the Boys’ Javelin event, Aidan Broussard emerged victorious with a throw of 60.53m (198-7).

• The boys’ relay teams also delivered strong performances, with the 4×400 relay team placing third with a time of 3:19.20, while the 4×800 relay team finished fourth with a time of 8:08.20. Eon Morris shone in the 400 Hurdles, securing third place with a time of 54.29 seconds.
• Freshman Carson Fayard and Senior Eon Morris qualified for the state meet in the 400 hurdles.

In the Pole Vault, juniors “Big Red” James Marion and Van Carter placed first and second, respectively. Big Red achieved a personal record with a remarkable vault of 14.03 feet, showcasing the depth of talent present in the Niceville track and field program.

• The shot put trio, Kevin Downing, Baxter Madison, and Joe Hanson, all qualified for the state competition by throwing over 50 feet, with Joe Hanson earning the Region Title with a throw of 56 feet.

On the girls’ side, freshman Kimah Allen displayed incredible skill, earning first place in the Discus with a throw of 40.72m (133-7) and third place in the Shot Put with a throw of 11.79m (38-8.25).

• The Girls’ 4×800 relay team claimed the top spot with a time of 9:22.01. Trinity Holland secured a second-place finish in the 800 Meters with a time of 2:15.44 and fifth place in the 1600 Meters with a time of 5:14.44.

• Mikayla Williams delivered strong results in the field events, taking second place in the Triple Jump with an 11.45m (37-6.75) leap and third place in the Long Jump with a 5.55m (18-2.5) jump. The Girls’ 4×400 relay team placed third with a time of 3:58.47.
• Yaremi Figueroa achieved a significant personal record in the 400m hurdles, propelling her to the #8 spot in the state.

Here is a look at some standout performances from the Eagles

Boys:

• Joseph Hanson (SR) – Shot Put Varsity: Hanson achieved first place with an outstanding throw of 17.07 meters (56-0), showcasing his strength and precision in the event.

• Oli Broutin (SR) – High Jump and Triple Jump: Broutin displayed his exceptional jumping abilities by securing second place in the High Jump with a leap of 1.92 meters (6-3.5) and first place in the Triple Jump with a jump of 14.83 meters (48-8).

• Eon Morris (SR) – 400 Hurdles: Morris demonstrated his speed and hurdling technique by earning third place with a time of 54.29 seconds.

• Boys’ 4×400 Relay: The team, consisting of Eon Morris, Jonathon Bocchino, James Marion, and Dawson Isbell, put on a strong performance, finishing third with a time of 3:19.20.

• Aidan Broussard (JR) – Javelin: Broussard showcased his power and accuracy in the Javelin event, earning first place with an impressive throw of 60.53 meters (198-7).

Girls:

• Kimah Allen (FR) – Discus and Shot Put: Allen made a significant impact by winning first place in the Discus with a throw of 40.72 meters (133-7) and earning third place in the Shot Put with a throw of 11.79 meters (38-8.25).

• Trinity Holland (SR) – 800 Meters: Holland secured second place in this middle-distance event with a time of 2:15.44, demonstrating her endurance and speed.

• Mikayla Williams (SR) – Triple Jump: Williams excelled in the Triple Jump event, achieving second place with an impressive leap of 11.45 meters (37-6.75).

• Girls’ 4×400 Relay: The team, composed of Taylor Kerle, Carson Fayard, Yaremi Figueroa, and Gracie Dennison, displayed great teamwork and determination, finishing third with a time of 3:58.47.

• Girls’ 4×800 Relay: The team, consisting of Lexi Roberts, Yaremi Figueroa, Katelyn Tomaschko, and Trinity Holland, claimed first place with an impressive time of 9:22.01, highlighting their collective stamina and skill in long-distance running.

In the coming weeks, Niceville’s girls and boys teams will have the opportunity to further showcase their talents and defend their state titles. With their sights set on championship glory, the boys will be vying for a third consecutive state title, while the girls aim to secure back-to-back championships.