Anthony Jackson has a vision for Alcovy High School track and field.

 It’s a vision that includes some of his athletes having the desire to take the sport seriously enough to compete year around. Until then, Jackson has a pair of sprinters he’s counting on to help the Tigers solidify themselves as a consistently competitive program. 

For Jackson it’ll start with Quantasia Perry and Quindrelin Hammonds. Perry is the only Tiger on either the boys or girls squads who qualified and placed in last year’s state meet. Perry, a senior, competed in the state meet in the 100 and 200 meters. She placed eighth, and has the look that makes Jackson believe a repeat performance is likely. 

“She really does have a chance to get there again,” Jackson said. “I like the way she has improved in the way she runs and competes.” 

As for Hammonds, he’s a speedster who also looks to star at quarterback and overall athlete for the Alcovy football team. He came up short making state last year, but Jackson’s confidence is equally as high for Hammonds as it is for Perry. It’s no coincidence that Jackson is bullish on the only two track athletes he has that ran track outside of school. 

“Both Quindrelin and Quantasia did summer track and field,” Jackson said. “I saw how she dropped her time in the 100. It’s even gotten a few colleges looking at her. And Hammonds is looking more and more like a state qualifier.” 

Jackson is clear on what he feels the common denominator for the duo’s success is.

“Just the mere fact that they took it upon themselves to work on their craft, it shows their understanding of what it takes to compete at the next level,” he said. 

That’s the initiative Jackson says he hopes becomes contagious for his team. 

“Some of our athletes, you know, after track season is done at school, they go ahead and take the summer off and don’t do anything, and they wait around until track season at school begins again to try and get in shape,” he said. “But I really encourage them to continue exercising and working out. Even play another sport. A couple of our athletes do that. They play basketball and football. The versatility helps them.” 

Jackson said that even beyond Perry and Hammonds, he sees marked improvement from his team overall, though he’s quick to call his program building a work in progress. 

“This year, we hope to be a little better,” he said. “We’re still young and still growing. I think we’re going to have a stronger team, both boys and girls. I’m thinking we’re getting close to where we can see ourselves make state as a team, and perhaps get a couple of individuals there, especially in the 100 and 200. As we grow and see the kids progress this season, we’ll see what our matchups look like in the region. That’s where it begins for us.”

*In Part Two of our Spring Preview next Sunday, we’ll spotlight the county’s two defending state champion track and field teams.