Rising in Excellence: Piney Woods Track & Field Delivers Strong 2026 Season

The Piney Woods School Track & Field team closed out an impressive 2026 season marked by determination, growth, and standout performances across multiple meets. Competing with discipline and pride, our student-athletes demonstrated what it means to represent Piney Woods with excellence—both on and off the track.

At the Regional 7-1A Meet held at Columbia High School, the team delivered a series of strong finishes. The boys’ relay teams led the way, securing 1st place in both the 4x100m and 4x200m relays, powered by the speed and cohesion of Kemet Edoa, Bradley White, Andrew Djeumen, and Joseph Thomas. On the girls’ side, the 4x200m relay team earned a 2nd place finish, showcasing strength and teamwork from Maria Kengni, Naelle Shami, Zakeyah Mays, and Zaniah Paris Knight.

Individually, Piney Woods athletes continued to shine. Kemet Edoa placed 2nd in the 100m dash, while Bradley White secured 3rd in the same event and went on to claim 1st place in the 200m dash. In distance events, Joseph Thomas earned 2nd place in the 800m run, followed by Pharoah Hardge with a 3rd place finish. Field events also saw strong performances, with Andrew Djeumen placing 3rd in shot put, Chrissy Alezia earning 2nd in discus, and Jeremiah Fenton placing 4th in long jump.

The team continued to compete with resilience through the Super Regional and South State meets. Notably, the girls’ 4x200m relay team made significant progress, shaving six seconds off their personal best time—a testament to their growth, discipline, and commitment throughout the season. Joseph Thomas also delivered a standout performance in the 800m run, achieving a personal best and narrowly missing advancement to State by less than a second.

Beyond placements and times, this season reflects something deeper: perseverance, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence. Each athlete contributed to a season defined not only by results, but by growth and character.

“I’m proud of all the runners that have participated this season. They represented the school well and had fun in doing so,” shared Coach Tripp.

From sprinters to distance runners, field competitors to team managers, the Piney Woods Track & Field program continues to build student-athletes who embody the school’s mission—developing the Head, Heart, and Hands through discipline, effort, and resilience.

At Piney Woods, excellence is not just achieved—it is earned, step by step.

Stand behind our student-athletes as they pursue excellence through discipline, teamwork, and resilience.

Champion the Next Generation