Savannah Track Meet Shatters Records with 50K+ Fans

SAVANNAH, Ga. -- The Georgia High School Association's 2025 track and field state championships in Savannah drew a record-breaking crowd of more than 50,000 fans over three days, eclipsing the prior mark of 47,922 set at the Georgia Dome in 2016. GHSA Executive Director Robin Hines noted the figure excludes complimentary passes, potentially adding 5,000 more attendees and far surpassing the 27,000 average from the event's four years at the former Turner Field site, now Center Parc Stadium. The surge highlighted Georgia's growing passion for high school sports in the coastal host city.

Atlanta-area powerhouses led the championships, with Perry High School clinching its first state title in 70 years in Class 4A, while Buford dominated Class 7A boys. Other winners included Hughes, Starr's Mill, Sandy Creek, KIPP Atlanta, Bleckley County, Mitchell County and Landmark Christian across classifications. These victories capped a weekend of fierce competition that electrified venues across the state.

Savannah-area athletes refused to be overshadowed, as more than 10 locals claimed state titles or podium finishes. Jenkins High's Coray Stafford swept the Class 5A boys' 100- and 200-meter dashes and anchored the Warriors' championship 4x100 relay alongside Ronnie Taylor, Jaylen Elliot and Ketayrion Haynes. Jasmine Gaither of a local squad earned three medals: third in the 300 hurdles, sixth in the 100 hurdles and fifth in the long jump, while Isaiah McGuire placed third in the boys' 800.