Presenting our newest feature: The Future Stars Series. In this series, we'll take a look at one freshman or sophomore a week that is making a big impact early in their career, and is showing that they are a star in the making.
The first middle schooler in our future stars feature is Weddington MS 8th grader Hunter Bates.
Bates has gotten out to an impressive start this outdoor season. He currently sits NC Middle School No. 1 in the 400m, 800m, and 1,600m. He has taken victories in eight of the nine races he's competed in this outdoor season, with the only loss coming in the 200m.
In 2019 he placed 4th in the Foot Locker South 11-12 division and went on to place 17th at USATF Junior Olympics XC Nationals. During last track season, he made the trip to the NCRunners Middle School Elite meet and took home the win in the 800m clocking 2:09.80. He has improved that 800m time this season, having run 2:07.29 just a few days ago.
Personal Bests:
200m: 25.34
400m: 54.45
800m: 2:07.29
1,600m: 4:53.38
NCRunners Middle School Elite Set For May 7th
Register for the 2022 NCRunners Middle School Elite
North Carolina Middle School Leaderboard
| TRACK | TIME (W) | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100m | 11.40 | 2027 | ||
| 200m | 24.03 | 2026 | ||
| 400m | 54.45 | 2026 | ||
| 800m | 2:07.29 | 2026 | ||
| 1500m | 5:34.68 | |||
| 1600m | 4:53.38 | 2026 | ||
| 3200m | 10:52.91 | 2026 | ||
| 100mH | 16.44 | 2026 |
