The Nike Spring Invitational, hosted by South Lakes since 2009, returned May 5 for another meet full of close competition.

Many athletes competed well on the home track with Northern Region qualifying standards. Team scoring was close with the girls team winning the meet with 73 points, beating Lake Braddock by less than two points.

Regional qualifiers include sophomore Danielle Hale and junior Symone Damper in the 100 meter dash, senior Naimah Coleman in the 200 meter dash, junior Kyannah Calhoun in the 800 meter run, freshman Devin Nieusma in the 3200 meter run, the 4×100 meter relay, and the 4×400 meter relay.

The boys team placed fourth behind Robinson, DeMatha, and Westfield with 53 points. Region qualifiers included junior Raj Pilaka in the 110 meter hurdles, senior Ian Angara in the 300 meter hurdles, the 4×100 meter relay, senior Corey Gilmore in the triple jump, and senior Brian Brinson in the discus throw.

South Lakes will host the Liberty District championship meet May 15-16. The Northern Region meet is hosted at Robinson May 24-25 and the Virginia AAA state meet at Sports Backers Stadium June 1-2.

The meet served as preparation for these post-season competitions.

“The meet was later in the season which will help everyone prepare for the district meet later in the month,” said sophomore Grace Gillen. “Nike Spring Invitational gave us the perfect opportunity to run a fast race against good competition on our home track.”