Pinecrest Academy Senior Named 2011 GHSA A State Champion

Pinecrest Academy senior Joseph Neiner became the 2011 GHSA A State Champion in the 300 Hurdles when he ran 39.776 at the State Track Meet in Jefferson, Georgia last weekend. Neiner’s race came down to 6/1000ths of a second, beating Phillip Jackson of Charlton County High School and Darius Smith from Landmark Christian Academy. 

Coming out of the curve, both Jackson and Smith had taken a lead on Neiner, but he closed the gap on Smith at hurdle 6 and made the pass into second place by hurdle 7. As Neiner and Jackson cleared hurdle 8, Jackson had a slight advantage. Neiner made one last surge for the stripe as both runners crossed. Upon the finish, the result was unknown.

“As the boys were called to the awards stand, we waited, not knowing the outcome,” said Head Track Coach Shawn Coury.

The final two places came down to 1000ths of a second, and second place was awarded to Phillip Jackson, with a time of 39.782, with first place awarded to Joe Neiner, with a time of 39.776.

“The look on Joe’s face was priceless as he realized he was the 2011 GHSA A State Champion in the 300 Hurdles,” added Coach Coury.

Neiner is Pinecrest Academy’s first GHSA State Champion in Track. He has had an outstanding track career with a 2009 State Title in the Triple Jump, 2010 State runner-Up showings in the Triple Jump and 300 Hurdles, third place State Finishes on the 4x400 M Relay Team and in the High Jump.

Neiner finishes his track career with seven school records: Long Jump, High Jump, Triple Jump, 300 Hurdles, 400 Meter Relay, 1600 Meter Relay, and 800 M Sprint Medley Relay.

A long-time multi-sport athlete, Neiner will be attending Birmingham Southern College on a basketball scholarship in the fall.