Tatum’s Jordan Nelson + Hooks’ Aaron Doddy Win Events at 2A Region III Track Meet

WHITEHOUSE -- Three boys field events and one running final are in the books after the first day of the Class 2A Region III track and field championships at Wildcat Stadium.

Tatum's Jordan Nelson jumped 45 feet, 11 inches to win the boys triple-jump regional title. Hooks' Aaron Doddy is also headed to state after winning gold with a 6-4 high jump.

Winnsboro's Ryan Gearner finished second in the discus with a throw of 148 feet, 11 inches to qualify for the state meet in two weeks in Austin. Arp's Marcalas Johnson threw 147-1 to finish third and narrowly miss a state berth, while Jefferson's Josh Eppler was on his heels with a throw of 146-7. Kountze's Keilan Jones won the event with a throw of 150-6.

Elkhart's Kevin Kidd finished third in the high jump, followed by Garrison's William Rogers (6-0) and Como-Pickton's Bryce Steele (5-10).

Hawkins' Hunter Fair ran a 9:50.65 to win gold in the 3,200-meter run. New Diana's Brad Beckham will join him at the state meet after finishing second with a 9:52.66.

The boys remaining field event finals -- shot put, long jump, and pole vault -- start at 9 a.m. Saturday at Wildcat Stadium. Running finals start at approximately 2 p.m.

BOYS

(state qualifiers in bold)

Discus

• 1. Keilan Jones, Kountze -- 150-6
• 2. Ryan Gearner, Winnsboro -- 148-11
• 3. Marcalas Johnson, Arp -- 147-1
• 4. Josh Eppler, Jefferson -- 146-7
• 5. Cody Lawwill, Cooper -- 145-5
• 6. Deandre Glover, Hempstead -- 144-5

Triple jump

• 1. Jordan Nelson, Tatum -- 45-11
• 2. Buck Wilson, Commerce -- 45-2
• 3. Darion Cooper, Kirbyville -- 44-11 1/4
• 4. Kevin Shorter, Newton -- 44-7 1/2
• 5. Laquinton Sargent, Hempstead -- 44-4 1/2
• 6. Deion Williams, Jefferson -- 43-7 3/4

High jump

• 1. Aaron Doddy, Hooks -- 6-4
• 2. Dylan Elliott, Franklin -- 6-2
• 3. Kevin Kidd, Elkhart -- 6-0 1/4
• 4. William Rogers, Garrison -- 6-0
• 5. Bryce Steele, Como-Pickton -- 5-10
• T-6. Chawn Cooper, Lone Oak -- 5-8
• T-6. Jesse Biles, Daingerfield -- 5-6

3,200 meters

• 1. Hunter Fair, Hawkins -- 9:50.65
• 2. Brad Beckham, New Diana -- 9:52.66
• 3. Trent Phelps, Grand Saline -- 9:54.13
• 4. Garrett Mayeaux, New Diana -- 10:10.78
• 5. Brent Beckham, New Diana -- 10:12.79
• 6. Matt Moreno, Grand Saline -- 10:16.19