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By Jeremy Lewis
Lexington cross country and track and field
Competing at the state track and field championships is an incredible experience for our athletes to showcase the work they have put in all season. For many, this moment marks the end and highlight of their year and for some their track career. However, since 2021, our athletes have been put at a disadvantage that hinders their ability to compete to their highest potential.
Prior to 2021, the 3A, 4A and 5A SCHSL state championships were held across two days with each of the classifications competing at the same site simultaneously. At this time, the A and 2A competed on a single day together. However, a shift was made to separate single-day single-classification state meets after the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the number of athletes and spectators on-site at once. While the decision was right for the time, the format was never returned once health precautions were lifted.
A proposal to return to a multi-day multi-classification state meet was passed by the South Carolina Track and Cross Country Coaches Association (SCTCCCA) back in 2022. Unfortunately, the measure did not acquire enough support from school administrations across all classifications in order to accomplish the standard procedures within the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL). Again, in 2026, the SCTCCCA body has voted on a return to a multi-classification multi-day state meet. While I understand that not all coaches nor classifications may be as passionate about this as me, I believe it is our responsibility to vouch for the sport and more importantly ensure our athletes have a safe and positive state championship experience that represents a celebration of their season-long efforts. Thus, I am asking that coaches advocate for our association and begin conversations with their athletic and school administrations regarding this proposal.
Watch 2025 SCHSL State Track and Field Championships races
Multi-day multi-classification
So why does this matter? A multi-day multi-classification is better for the sport, the athletes, officials and fans alike. The current format is significantly shorter than pre-covid championships. This forces a quick turnaround between events reducing recovery time for athletes competing in multiple events resulting in increased fatigue and injury-risk. In 2025, athletes competing in both the 100m and 200m at the state championships had 1 hour and 15 minutes of recovery, 30-50 minutes shorter than they received prior to 2021. For athletes in the 1600m and 800m, they received just 50 minutes, a 25-40-minute decrease. In fact, all standard doubles had reduced recovery time. This directly impacts performance quality, athlete safety and has resulted in reduction of the field size as some athletes do not make the starting line. Whether this is to prioritize one event over the other or by pulling out after their first event as a result of fatigue, the result is still the same and becomes unfair to the athletes who were on the cusp of qualifying. Overall, the total run time of the state championships have gone from approximately one 7.5-hour meet for the 3A-4A-5A across two days and one six hour meet across one day for 1A-2A at a single site to approximately 4.5 hours in one day for each classification at two sites.
While the meets themselves are shorter, the total time it takes to run off five separate events is longer (22.5 compared to 12 hours). Our current system not only places pressure on athletes, but it also places a logistical strain on our coaching association and the SCHSL to cover multiple sites. With the current system, the SCHSL will have to secure two sites across two-three days and recruit officials and volunteers to cover each site. With a shift to a single site, the number of personnel needed and hours worked should decrease. I have not seen the numbers, but I have to believe this would result in reduced costs.
While our coaching body has voted for this type of change, nothing will happen unless a conversation is had. I started my coaching career at Irmo High School under the late great, Mike Moore in November of 2014. I have had the opportunity to work with and under some incredible coaches at Lexington High School. I have enjoyed discussing/learning track and field and coaching with several coaches from across the state. What I have learned the most in my time coaching through these discussions is that we are all here in support of growing the sport and doing what is best for our athletes.
Maryland state track and field championships
Some of my own favorite high school track and field memories were being able to compete at the state championships in Maryland. Here, 1A/2A competes on Thursday, 3A/4A on Friday in prelims and select finals. Saturday concluded festivities for all classifications competing simultaneously. On that final day, I remember getting the atmosphere of running in front of a packed stadium of athletes, coaches and fans, getting the chance to see my father win back-to-back state titles despite him being a different classification than me, and best of all, being able to watch the best or the state compete on one stage. When all classifications come together, there is a greater energy to the meet that makes it feel like an accomplishment for getting the chance to compete there. Meets like the All-American Track Classic do this well. When you compete then, the stadium is packed and loud, a true track and field experience.
To be clear, I am not saying South Carolina needs to adopt the Maryland schedule, nor do I believe we have to return to our pre-covid schedule. I believe, as we are entering a shift to our classification system, we are the perfect time to go back to the drawing board to redesign a multi-day state championship schedule that best works for all classifications, gives athletes additional recovery and makes it truly a celebration of the sport in our state.
Conversation
As coaches, we need to speak with our administrations and ensure your schools' vote is cast and with SCHSL classifications beginning Feb. 2, there is no better time than now to begin. While I ask that coaches advocate for a schedule that serves athletes, not just the convenience of a "let's get this over with" state championship, I understand not all may share my same vision. At the very least, a conversation needs to be had. I would like this letter to serve as a call to action for track and field and cross country coaches. When essential votes that impact our sports come across the table, have a conversation with your administration on your opinion and ensure your schools have a say.