Best on the beach: Fletcher state champions ranked first in nation

Fletcher beach volleyball joins a short list of Duval County public school teams with serious national championship claims in any sport over the years. Most recently, Ribault girls basketball a decade ago won the four-team Dick's Sporting Goods Nationals against elite opposition at New York's Madison Square Garden in 2017.

While the Senators will enter 2027 without more than a half-dozen graduated seniors, several of their top contributors are on course to return, including UAB-committed junior Waite.

Mandarin-Trinity among spring game highlights

Mandarin quarterback Knox Annis (8) throws the ball against Buchholz during the first half of the 2025 football playoffs.

It's gridiron time.

After more than two weeks of practice, the time has come for pads to meet opposing pads in high school football.

Spring games officially kick off this week for Northeast Florida with some heavily-anticipated matchups, including Trinity Christian's trip to Mandarin on Thursday, May 14.

That matches Miami-committed QB Knox Annis and national recruit Brysen Wright of Mandarin against a Trinity squad that made the Class 1A state semifinals in 2025, including rising senior prospects Terrell Pinkney and Adrian Williams.

Thursday's schedule also includes a matchup of Episcopal and University Christian and a three-team jamboree with Eagle's View, Providence and host Duval Charter.

The May 15 schedule pits Camden County against a prospect-rich Columbia in a Florida-Georgia battle, plus Branford at Keystone Heights, Middleburg at Palatka, Newberry at Suwannee, Old Plank Christian at St. Joseph and Ridgeview at Crescent City.

Then, on May 19, Bartram Trail travels to Baker County in the first Wildcats game since Jamie Rodgers' return to Memorial Stadium, and Christ's Church and Hilliard play at Cornerstone Classical in a jamboree.

Surprise stories surge at state track

Raines' Owen Kaye (1776) races to victory in the boys 200 during the FHSAA Class 2A high school track and field championships in Jacksonville, Florida, on May 7, 2026. [Clayton Freeman/Florida Times-Union]

Winning from an unseeded heat in track and field is supposed to be rare… right?

Not so much at this year's four-day FHSAA championships at UNF, and in a couple of cases, Jacksonville-area runners were the ones ending on top.

• In the Class 2A boys 200-meter run, Owen Kaye of Raines turned up the speed to win in 20.87 from the unseeded heat. No one in the second heat went under 21.13, leaving the Vikings senior a champion in his final high school individual race.
• The same happened in the Class 2A boys 100. On that occasion, Kedric Wright Jr. of Palatka and Kelvin Brown of Raines ended up 1-2 in 10.60 and 10.62, respectively, from the unseeded heat. Nationally-ranked sprinter Zamarii Sanders of Cardinal Newman, who had to fight strong and unfavorable winds in the second heat, could only finish in 10.66.
• Tallahassee Rickards' Davion Crumitie, who has a 10.05 100, found himself in the unseeded heat of the Class 3A boys 200 and blasted away from the pack in 20.79. His margin over the top seeded-heat runner was more than a third of a second.

The field events also produced winners from the unseeded flights, like Raymond Hawkins of Pembroke Pines Flanagan with a long jump of 24 feet, 3/4 inch to win Class 4A.

Bartram Tail’s Avery Hartley (3021) placed third with a time of 4:51.76 competed in the Girl’s 1600 Meter Run at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Oakleaf’s Rayna Autry threw a 11.94 on her first attempt in the Girl’s Shot Put at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Oakleaf’s Khamari Harewood jumps during the Boy’s Triple Jump at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Mandarin’s Ayden Bui threw a 14.55 meters during his second attempt in the Boy’s Shot Put at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Creekside’s (3168) Randi Reider comes out of the blocks while competing in the Girl’s 4X100 Meter Relay at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Creekside’s (3168) Randi Reider competes in the Girl’s 4X100 Meter Relay at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Creekside’s (3152) Peyton Ganther placed second and was the anchor in the Girl’s 4X100 Meter Relay at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Creekside’s (3162) Parris Lee, left, Creekside’s (3168) Randi Reider and Creekside’s (3152) Peyton Ganther took second in the Girl’s 4X100 Relay at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Nease’s Selena Gregory picks her pole before competing in the Girl’s Pole Vault at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Nease’s Selena Gregory chalks up her hands before competing in the Girl’s Pole Vault at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Tocoi Creek’s Gabriella Keyser throws her first attempt, 10.86 meters in the Girls Shot Put at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Tocoi Creek’s Jacob Froehlich jumped 6.76 meters in his first attempt in the Boy’s Long Jump at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Tocoi Creek’s Jacob Froehlich jumped 6.76 meters in his first attempt in the Boy’s Long Jump at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Tocoi Creek’s Elijah Dailey jumps 6.81 meters during his second attempt in the Boy’s Long Jump at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Creekside’s Suin Crowley threw 12.08 meters in her third attempt during the Girl’s Shot Put at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Creekside’s Suin Crowley threw 11.92 meters in her fourth attempt during the Girl’s Shot Put at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Bartram Trail’s Willa Henley attempts 2.85 meters during the Girl’s Pole Vault at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Bartram Trail’s Willa Henley clears 2.85 meters during the Girl’s Pole Vault at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Bartram Trail’s Willa Henley clears 2.85 meters during the Girl’s Pole Vault at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Creekside’s Hannah Hinson clears 2.85 during the Girl’s Pole Vault at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Creekside’s Hannah Hinson clears 2.85 during the Girl’s Pole Vault at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Tocoi Creek’s Elijah Dailey placed fourth in the Boy’s Long Jump at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Oakleaf’s Rayna Autry placed fourth while Creekside’s Suin Crowley placed second in the Girl’s Shot Put and at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Oakleaf’s Rayna Autry, who placed fourth, left and Creekside’s Suin Crowley, who placed second in the Girl’s Shot Put, are interviewed by the media at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Creekside’s Suin Crowley, who placed second in the Girl’s Shot Put, is interviewed by the media at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Nease’s Joey Lane competes in the Boy’s Javelin Throw at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. He threw a 40.47 on his fourth attempt. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Atlantic Coast’s Israel Hayward throws a 47.31 while competing in the Boy’s Javelin Throw at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Tocoi Creek Elijah Dailey, clears 1.87 meters during the Boy’s High Jump at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. He threw a 40.47 on his fourth attempt. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Nease’s Ethan Choi throws 50.39 during the Boy’s Javelin Throw at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Mandarin’s Pierce Eldridge jumps during the Boy’s Triple Jump at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Fletcher’s Jalani Thomas jumps during the Boy’s Triple Jump at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Bartram Tail’s Michael Scott throws 15.4 meters in the Boy’s Shot Put at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Fletcher’s Jalani Thomas placed third in the Boy’s Triple Jump at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Bartram Tail’s Ava Schoenberg, right, placed seventh with a time of 15.17 in the Girl’s 100 Meter Hurdles at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Tocoi Creek’s Zack Lloyd placed seventh with a time of 14.85 in the Boy’s 110 Meter Hurdles at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Creekside’s Peyton Ganther placed seventh in the Girl’s 100 Meter Dash at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Creekside’s Josh Howell, Josh took fifth in the Boy’s 100 Meter Dash at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Bartram Tail’s Avery Hartley (3021) placed third with a time of 4:51.76 competed in the Girl’s 1600 Meter Run at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Bartram Tail’s Avery Hartley (3021) placed third with a time of 4:51.76 competed in the Girl’s 1600 Meter Run at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Creekside’s (3159) Jackson Lafse competes in the Boy’s 1600 Meter Run at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Bartram Trail’s Bryce Motycka competed in the Boy’s 1600 Meter Run at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Bartram Trail’s Ethan Barton clears 3.9 in the Boy’s Pole Vault at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Creekside’s Tristian McClendon made the 3.9 meters vault in the Boy’s Pole Vault at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Fletcher’s Zyaire Thomas competed in the Girl’s 400 Meter Run at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Fletcher’s Zyaire Thomas placed third in the Girl’s 400 Meter Run at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

1 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Bartram Tail’s Avery Hartley (3021) placed third with a time of 4:51.76 competed in the Girl’s 1600 Meter Run at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

1 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Bartram Tail’s Avery Hartley (3021) placed third with a time of 4:51.76 competed in the Girl’s 1600 Meter Run at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

2 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Oakleaf’s Rayna Autry threw a 11.94 on her first attempt in the Girl’s Shot Put at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

3 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Oakleaf’s Khamari Harewood jumps during the Boy’s Triple Jump at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

4 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Mandarin’s Ayden Bui threw a 14.55 meters during his second attempt in the Boy’s Shot Put at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

5 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Creekside’s (3168) Randi Reider comes out of the blocks while competing in the Girl’s 4X100 Meter Relay at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

6 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Creekside’s (3168) Randi Reider competes in the Girl’s 4X100 Meter Relay at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

7 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Creekside’s (3152) Peyton Ganther placed second and was the anchor in the Girl’s 4X100 Meter Relay at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

8 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Creekside’s (3162) Parris Lee, left, Creekside’s (3168) Randi Reider and Creekside’s (3152) Peyton Ganther took second in the Girl’s 4X100 Relay at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

9 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Nease’s Selena Gregory picks her pole before competing in the Girl’s Pole Vault at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

10 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Nease’s Selena Gregory chalks up her hands before competing in the Girl’s Pole Vault at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

11 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Tocoi Creek’s Gabriella Keyser throws her first attempt, 10.86 meters in the Girls Shot Put at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

12 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Tocoi Creek’s Jacob Froehlich jumped 6.76 meters in his first attempt in the Boy’s Long Jump at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

13 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Tocoi Creek’s Jacob Froehlich jumped 6.76 meters in his first attempt in the Boy’s Long Jump at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

14 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Tocoi Creek’s Elijah Dailey jumps 6.81 meters during his second attempt in the Boy’s Long Jump at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

15 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Creekside’s Suin Crowley threw 12.08 meters in her third attempt during the Girl’s Shot Put at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

16 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Creekside’s Suin Crowley threw 11.92 meters in her fourth attempt during the Girl’s Shot Put at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

17 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Bartram Trail’s Willa Henley attempts 2.85 meters during the Girl’s Pole Vault at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

18 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Bartram Trail’s Willa Henley clears 2.85 meters during the Girl’s Pole Vault at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

19 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Bartram Trail’s Willa Henley clears 2.85 meters during the Girl’s Pole Vault at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

20 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Creekside’s Hannah Hinson clears 2.85 during the Girl’s Pole Vault at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

21 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Creekside’s Hannah Hinson clears 2.85 during the Girl’s Pole Vault at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

22 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Tocoi Creek’s Elijah Dailey placed fourth in the Boy’s Long Jump at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

23 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Oakleaf’s Rayna Autry placed fourth while Creekside’s Suin Crowley placed second in the Girl’s Shot Put and at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

24 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Oakleaf’s Rayna Autry, who placed fourth, left and Creekside’s Suin Crowley, who placed second in the Girl’s Shot Put, are interviewed by the media at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

25 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Creekside’s Suin Crowley, who placed second in the Girl’s Shot Put, is interviewed by the media at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

26 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Nease’s Joey Lane competes in the Boy’s Javelin Throw at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. He threw a 40.47 on his fourth attempt. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

27 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Atlantic Coast’s Israel Hayward throws a 47.31 while competing in the Boy’s Javelin Throw at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

28 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Tocoi Creek Elijah Dailey, clears 1.87 meters during the Boy’s High Jump at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. He threw a 40.47 on his fourth attempt. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

29 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Nease’s Ethan Choi throws 50.39 during the Boy’s Javelin Throw at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

30 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Mandarin’s Pierce Eldridge jumps during the Boy’s Triple Jump at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

31 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Fletcher’s Jalani Thomas jumps during the Boy’s Triple Jump at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

32 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Bartram Tail’s Michael Scott throws 15.4 meters in the Boy’s Shot Put at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

33 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Fletcher’s Jalani Thomas placed third in the Boy’s Triple Jump at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

34 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Bartram Tail’s Ava Schoenberg, right, placed seventh with a time of 15.17 in the Girl’s 100 Meter Hurdles at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

35 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Tocoi Creek’s Zack Lloyd placed seventh with a time of 14.85 in the Boy’s 110 Meter Hurdles at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

36 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Creekside’s Peyton Ganther placed seventh in the Girl’s 100 Meter Dash at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

37 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Creekside’s Josh Howell, Josh took fifth in the Boy’s 100 Meter Dash at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

38 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Bartram Tail’s Avery Hartley (3021) placed third with a time of 4:51.76 competed in the Girl’s 1600 Meter Run at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

39 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Bartram Tail’s Avery Hartley (3021) placed third with a time of 4:51.76 competed in the Girl’s 1600 Meter Run at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

40 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Creekside’s (3159) Jackson Lafse competes in the Boy’s 1600 Meter Run at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

41 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Bartram Trail’s Bryce Motycka competed in the Boy’s 1600 Meter Run at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

42 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Bartram Trail’s Ethan Barton clears 3.9 in the Boy’s Pole Vault at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

43 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Creekside’s Tristian McClendon made the 3.9 meters vault in the Boy’s Pole Vault at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

44 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Fletcher’s Zyaire Thomas competed in the Girl’s 400 Meter Run at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

45 / 45

See FHSAA Class 4A track and field photos from UNF

Fletcher’s Zyaire Thomas placed third in the Girl’s 400 Meter Run at UNF’s Hodges Stadium during the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championship meet, Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Milestone for Walk Off

The First Coast also celebrated a baseball milestone of a different kind.

Jacksonville-based Walk Off Charities has now served 10,000 students all-time with its free baseball clinic program, conducted in partnership with Duval County Public Schools. Walk Off reached that mark on May 8.

Walk Off Charities, founded by Frank Frangie of radio station WJXL (1010XL), began the baseball clinics in 2017, introducing thousands of kids across the Jacksonville area to the sport.

Among its other initiatives at the varsity level, the organization also conducts the annual preseason tournaments for baseball and softball at Fort Family Regional Park.

Around the area

Bishop Kenny defender Anna Perry committed to Barry women's soccer. … Fletcher swimmer Seth Ayers committed to St. Thomas men's swimming. ... St. Johns Country Day pitcher Mason Schnell committed to Ave Maria baseball. … Former Oakleaf outfielder Khloe Banks was named to the Big Ten All-Defensive team for Purdue softball. … Former Nease swimmer Charlotte Driesse announced her transfer from Kentucky to Florida Gulf Coast women's swimming. … Fleming Island named Paralympic medalist Morgan Ray as the school's new swimming and diving coach. ... Tocoi Creek named Al Fredette boys lacrosse coach. … Nease promoted Elias Walton to head girls soccer coach. … Bolles' Greer Boree set a Florida record for face-off wins with 1,298. … Fleming Island set school track records with Meadow Schubert (14.78, girls 100 hurdles, and 1:04.13, girls 400 hurdles), Halle Steeves (56.75, girls 400) and Schubert, Steeves, Juliannah Santana and Brooke Reynolds in the girls 4x400 relay (4:00.42). … Oakleaf added school track records at the state meet for Rayna Autry (11.94 meters, girls shot put), Rayna Lawson (24.08, girls 200), Emmanuel Souffrant (21.29, boys 200) and Rodney Townsend III, Kashe Johnson, Souffrant and Jelani Chester in the boys 4x400 relay (3:17). … The Florida Athletic Coaches Association scheduled its All-Star Classics for flag football (May 23 at Mulberry), baseball (May 27-28 at Melching Field in DeLand) and softball (May 28-29 at Patricia Wilson Field in DeLand). … The University of South Florida named Bishop Kenny basketball coach Jerry Buckley to its counselor advisory board.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Fletcher high school beach volleyball ranked first in United States