MileSplit SC looks at the Class of 2031 female 1600-meter runners in this week's Future Stars feature. MileSplit SC talks with Eastside track and field coach Audrey Cook about sixth-ranked seventh grade Eagle runner Harper Whitson (5:32 personal best).
Palmetto Christian Academy's Evelyn Mercer is the top girls seventh grade 1600 runner with a season and personal best 5:18. The top 10 distance runners in the four lap event are listed with season bests under 5:48. The 2026 SCISA championships are May 1 and 2.
The list is mixed with SCISA and SCHSL track and field athletes.
"I knew she had it in her, at Travelers Rest that night she was the fastest seed and out of the shadow of some of the older Eastside girls. As soon as she was in control of her own race, she let it rip. Being the youngest on the team, sometimes it's hard for her to pass older girls, even if she knows she is ready to. In this race, she was able to go line to line in front and set her own pace, not worrying about what teammates she was in front of or behind of." - Audrey Cook, Eastside track and field
How did she start to get involved in the sport?
I teach Harper at Northwood, at the end of her sixth grade year, she came busting into my classroom saying she wanted to run at Eastside. She started training with the team and quickly landed on the varsity squad for XC last fall.
Any family members involved? Her brother plays basketball at Eastside.
Expectations for her for the rest of this season and the future.
Harper is so feisty, I fully expect her to land a spot at the state championship. She is willing to push the pace and move up when needed. She's just getting started.
Greenville County JV Track and Field Championships Harper anchored the first place 4x800 with a split of 2:36, placed second in the MS 800 and won the MS 1600.
What other hobbies does he have outside of running?
I have no clue. She is super funny and fits in well with the older kids. Her nickname on the team is mini, because she's so tiny! Everyone loves having harper as a teammate.
Class of 2031 South Carolina girls 1600 top 10 2026 track and field rankings
MileSplit SC looks at the Class of 2031 female 1600-meter runners in this week's Future Stars feature. MileSplit SC talks with Eastside track and field coach Audrey Cook about sixth-ranked seventh grade Eagle runner Harper Whitson (5:32 personal best).
Palmetto Christian Academy's Evelyn Mercer is the top girls seventh grade 1600 runner with a season and personal best 5:18. The top 10 distance runners in the four lap event are listed with season bests under 5:48. The 2026 SCISA championships are May 1 and 2.
The list is mixed with SCISA and SCHSL track and field athletes.
"I knew she had it in her, at Travelers Rest that night she was the fastest seed and out of the shadow of some of the older Eastside girls. As soon as she was in control of her own race, she let it rip. Being the youngest on the team, sometimes it's hard for her to pass older girls, even if she knows she is ready to. In this race, she was able to go line to line in front and set her own pace, not worrying about what teammates she was in front of or behind of." - Audrey Cook, Eastside track and field