Invitation to all APS members (Inclusive e-mail members)

Come join us at the Georgia HS Boys State Track Championships held in Jefferson GA on May 10, 11, and 12. We’ll be photographing some of Georgia’s most elite athletes in this three day event involving over 250 schools in 16 track and field events. The field events, held on Thursday, include discus, shot put, long jump, triple jump, high jump and pole vault. If speed is more to your liking, Friday’s running preliminary qualifications or Saturday’s running event finals include relays, hurdles, dashes and runs.

APS members get free admission to the stadium and field privileges, so good angles should not be an issue. Depending on participation we may declare this an “Assignment Zone” event making your images eligible for the annual A-Z competition.

The beginning and ending events are scheduled as follows:

SESSION I - Thursday, May 10

All Field Events and 1600 Meter Run Finals

12:00 noon Pole Vault (AAAAA) - Red Pit

6:00 pm Long Jump (AAAAA) - Pit #3 (blue)

SESSION II - Friday, May 11

Qualifying Heats for Running Events - All Classifications

The order of running in each event will be: A, AA, AAA, AAAA, AAAAA

12:00 noon 400 Meter Relay

4:55 pm 1600 Meter Relay

SESSION III - Saturday, May 12

Finals for Running Events - All Classifications

The order of running in each event will be: A, AA, AAA, AAAA, AAAAA

12:00 pm Opening Ceremonies

12:50 pm 400 Meter Relay

4:55 pm 1600 Meter Relay

For official GHSA information go to http://www.ghsa.net/track-and-field

If you would like to participate here’s what you need to do:
Contact Al McLeod at 706 424 0532 and alert me as to when you expect to arrive. You will need to pick up a pass sticker in order to get into the stadium and get on the infield. I will give you some guidelines about a few things you may not do and some suggestions about the best “drama” moments, camera settings, etc. I will also tell where exactly we are going to meet.

Here’s what you need to bring: Camera, a fast lens, monopod (optional, but recommended), hat, sunscreen, water bottle, a good attitude.

Here’s how you get there:

From I-85 North to Memorial Stadium (State Championship Track Meet)

    1. Take I-85 North to exit 137.

    2. Turn right onto US-129. Continuing on US-129 you will be forced onto the new Jefferson Bypass. Continue on the bypass until you come to Old Swimming Pool Rd.

    3. Turn left on Old Swimming Pool Rd. Memorial Stadium is .4 miles on the right.

The school’s website is http://www.jeffcityschools.org/High%20School.htm

Thanks, and I hope to see you there

Al McLeod

My phone # is 706 424 0532