by Joseph W. Gex II, Contributing Writer

PASS CHRISTIAN (GG) — The Pass Christian Pirates hosted the annual Cory McGee Classic on Saturday, April 5. The meet is run in honor of Cory McGee, a 2010 graduate of Pass Christian, who went on to an All-American career at the University of Florida and competed in the 2020 Olympics. McGee is the most decorated cross country and track and field athlete in Mississippi history.

McGee commented, “Being able to come home and see family and teammates is an awesome thing. And, coming home to Pass Christian where everything started for me is terrific. This is not an easy place to train. I feel that starting here truly jump started my career. I feel if one can train and be successful here in this climate, they can be successful anywhere. And, to come home and see what Coach Roscoe Forch and his staff have built is truly amazing.”
The Classic turned out to be a dual meet with Tylertown, a perennial 3A powerhouse.
On the boys’ side Pass Christian had event winners from Ryland Shoulders (100m – 11.41; 200m – 23.98), Larkin Lewis (800m – 2:08.76), Brennan Davis (1600m – 5:18.74), Noah Campbell (3200m – 12:04.91), Hardy Belt (110m hurdles – 16.61; high jump – 6′), 4x800m relay (9:21.52), Paris Travillion (long jump – 19′ 5 1/2″), Sheldon Stapleton (triple jump – 42′ 1″), Grant Akers (pole vault – 11′), Keegan Nix (shot put – 38′).
Other top three finishers include Dalton Nix (200m), Roger Daniels (1600m), Michael Bendich (3200m), Jacob Fuller (3200m), Hardy Belt (300m hurdles), Lathan Lewis (300m hurdles), 4x100m relay, 4x200m relay, 4x400m relay, Ellic Laneaux (high jump), Amarie Jones (long jump, triple jump), Keyshawn Whitaker (triple jump), Kenneth Dalcour (discus), Stefan King (discus), and Cenica Barnes (shot put).
On the girls’ side, Pass Christian was led by event winners Anaya Bradley (200m – 26.89), Amelia Coolidge (800m – 2:54.89), Brinley Hoda (1600m – 7:40.15; 3200m – 15:02.72), 4x100m relay (50.13), 4x200m relay (1:45.67), 4x800m relay (12:20.89), 4x400m relay (4:47.21), Khloee Vinsonhaler (high jump – 4′ 8″), Maleygh Acker (long jump – 15′ 1 1/2″), Madison Jacobs (triple jump – 34′ 5″), and Nola Ellis (pole vault – 6′ 6″).
Other top three finishers include Madison Jacobs (100m, long jump), Megan Dedeaux (200m), Hailey LeBeau (400m), Takiya Tyson (400m, triple jump), Makenna Smith (800m), Sandie Carter (1600m), Rehanna Cook (3200m), Zerriah Brooks (high jump), Kay’Maria Borders (discus, shot put), and Ma’kylie Edwardson (shot put).
Cory McGee graduated from Pass Christian in 2010 and won the national high school mile at the 103rd Millrose Games. She currently holds state records in the 800m (2:10.74), 1600m (4:50.64), and 3200m (10:39.57) and signed with the
University of Florida where she became a 10-time All-American.
In 2020, she earned a place on the United States Olympic Team where she became a 1500m finalist.
(Front Photo:  Cory McGee fires the gun to start the girls 4x800m relay at the Cory McGee Classic at Pass Christian on Saturday, April 5.  Inside Photo:  Cory McGee stands with the plaque honoring her career at the dedication on Saturday, April 5, at the Cory McGee Classic.  Both photos submitted by Joseph W. Gex II/The Gazebo Gazette)