Pictured: Rocky Hansen, Shawnti Jackson, and Akala Garrett

It is a great time to be a fan of cross country and track and field in North Carolina! We are coming off a fantastic 2021-22 school year, but I think 2022-23 is going to be even crazier and more memorable. 

These rising seniors are just on another level. During the spring, there were five junior class records* set, two on the boys' side and three on the girls' side. On top of the five class records, there were also four junior class No. 3 all-time performances, and one class No. 2 performance. Along with the class records, we saw two overall state records set by juniors: Shawnti Jackson in the 100m and Rocky Hansen in the 1,600m/1 mile.

Jackson and Akala Garrett just returned home after representing Team USA at the U20 World Championships. Garrett won gold in the 400mH and the 4x400m, and Jackson won gold in the 4x400m, silver in the 4x100m, and bronze in the 100m. 

We tallied the classes of the top seven all-time junior performers in every outdoor event and cross country, giving 7 points to the junior class record holder, 6 points to the state junior class No. 2 performer, and down to state junior class No. 7, who receives 1 point for their class. Is the class of 2023 gearing up to make a serious run at some top three all-time performances this upcoming school year? Or even claiming a few more overall state records?

Junior Class All-Time Ranking's Class

Behind the five junior class records of the 2023, the class of 2017 has four, and the classes of 2008, 2020, and 2022 have three junior class records each. The class of 2015 and 2016 do not have any junior class records, but their all-around depth is impressive. 2015 had a class member in 11 different events, which was the most. The class of 2016 was right behind with members in 10 different events, which is tied with 2023 and 2017 for the second most. 

But all-in-all, the class of 2023 was by far the most dominant as juniors, tallying a mind blowing 84 points. 2017 was second with 62 points and 2015 and 2016 were tied for 3rd with 54 each. 

Garrett holds the sophomore class records in the 100mH and 300mH, while Jackson has sophomore class records in the 100m, 200m, and 400m.

Now, the class of 2023 still has a lot of work to do if they really want to cement themselves as the best of all-time, but they are certainly on the right track.

They have the star power.

And that star power runs deep.

We didn't include indoor times, but let's also note that Jackson set the high school national record in the 60m dash where she clocked 7.18. She also set the overall state indoor records in the 55m, 60m, 200m, and 300m. Adding to the record books, Jacob Laney set the overall state indoor mile record after his 4:07.34 performance in February. 

This star studded class also includes JaMeesia Ford, Caden Townshend, Spencer Mermans, Cheyla Scott, and Kaylyn Brown.

The class of 2024 is looking pretty strong in their own right, too. But let's just see how this year plays out. 

*Among standard North Carolina high school events