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Akala Garrett (Harding University) is on a tear early in the indoor track season. She edged Lexington's Alyssa Thompson Rowe for the 55m Hurdle win and also won the 300m Dash from the second fastest section in 40.38.
Garrett has proven to be in good shape early in the indoor season already running 8.03 in the 55m Dash and 1:17.61 in the 500m at HOT Turkey in late November. She held a middle school best in the 55m Hurdles of 8.28, so has certainly improved over the offseason.
Garrett's 8.03 would have been the second fastest mark in the state last year and she only trails Eastern Guilford's Zariyah Black who has run 8.02 this season. Along with Alyssa Thompson Rowe, Kendall Jordan (Cummings), and Falon Spearman (Providence Day) the hurdles are loaded early in the 2019-2020 season.
Garrett will be the favorite for the 4A Hurdle titles this year indoors and outdoors, but has also proven to be stronger in the sprint events with impressive 300m and 500m marks early in the season.
The 2023 freshman sprint/hurdle class is likely the best we've ever had in state history.