Anniston, AL – Connell jumps way to becoming Donoho’s first indoor-track state champion; Ohatchee’s Ferguson vaults to third state title
By Joe Medley
Estella Connell keeps adding to her resume as an elite high school athlete, and she jumped her way to Donoho history during Friday’s action in the state indoor track championships. She finished first in the long jump, becoming her school’s first indoor state champion. Connell wasn’t Calhoun County’s only champion Friday. Ohatchee’s Chris Ferguson won his third title in 1A-3A pole vault and second indoors.
Oxford’s Noah George, the county’s two-time champion in cross country, took second in the 3,200-meter run and third in the 1,600. Donoho also got a third-place finish from Walker Bodiford in the shotput. For Connell, who also took second in the triple jump, making history was special. “Being able to hold this honor of being the first indoor track and field champion for Donoho is absolutely insane, and I am so grateful,” she said. “I truly believe that I am in this position today because of the opportunities God has given me. I truly can do anything through Christ who strengthens me.
“Today I really put my heart in the sand and I’m so beyond excited for what outdoor holds for my team!” Connell’s winning jump covered 15-07.25, four inches better than Brillian’ts Abbygail Humphries. “Estella has brought home top-three medals at state before,” Donoho coach Hayley Long said. “However, this indoor long jump was special. “We have worked hard to increase speed to the pit, and it payed off. This is Donoho’s first indoor state individual champion. I look forward to her outdoor performances.”
Ferguson extended his streak to three gold medals. He swept indoor and outdoor in 2022 and took outdoor Friday. His winning vault cleared 13-06. “I’m very excited,” he said. “I started off the year rough and finally put it all together today. Had some bad weeks but started to pull it together over the last two weeks. “Had some good jumps early to build the confidence and just rolled with it. Super happy to be the back-to-back 1A-3A pole vault state champion. Excited to bring the momentum into to outdoor and with extending my run.” Bodiford’s third-place finish came in his first year to throw shot. He threw 42-06. St. James’ Connor Owens won state at 47-03. George ran a 9:33.42 in the 3,200, nearly 15 seconds off of the pace set by St. Paul’s Stone Smith (9:18.52). George took third in the 1,600 in 4:22.95. [read more…]
