AC sees region victories
Athletes from Augusta Christian Schools excelled in region competition last week, earning three of four team titles available in tennis and track and field.
The Lions took first in the Region 4-AAA track and field meet, which was held Tuesday at Augusta Prep, while the Lady Lions placed second. AC senior Joel Whinghter led the way with individual wins in the discus and 200-meter run.
Augusta Prep's David Bell continued his dominance in long-distance running events with wins in the 1,600 and 3,200.
The Lions and Lady Lions claimed 4-AAA crowns Wednesday at Newman Tennis Center in Augusta. The victories ended Augusta Prep's lengthy reign on the courts. The Cavaliers and Lady Cavs finished second.
The AC boys were led by doubles champs Nate and Joe Tingen. The brothers are defending GISA Class AAA state champions, but won their first region title last week by topping teammates Troy Freeman and Paul Moore in the finals.
Chris Motes placed second in singles for the Lions, while AC's Richard Holley was fourth.
In girls doubles, AC's Maggie and Katie Holmes finished first. Augusta Christian singles players Brittany Jackson (second) and Jaclyn Fields (fourth) made solid contributions.
Augusta Prep singles players David Shay and Cary Gibson each won region championships.
The top region performers from both Augusta Prep and AC now will compete in GISA state championships in track and tennis.
GISA Region 4-AAA Tennis
Augusta Christian, Augusta Prep winners
Boys: singles champion - David Shay (AP); doubles champion - Nate and Joseph Tingen (AC). Girls: singles champion - Cary Gibson (AP); doubles champion - Maggie and Katie Holmes.
GISA Region 4-AAA Track & Field
Boys: Augusta Christian 163; John Milledge 136; Trinity 66; Augusta Prep 65; Brentwood 48; Westminster 11; Pinewood 6.
Augusta Christian, Augusta Prep individual event winners: 3,200 meter - David Bell (AP), 10:42. Pole vault - Andrew Fisher (AC), 10-feet. Discus - Joel Whinghter (AC), 120-feet, 1-inch. 1,600 meter - David Bell (AP), 4:56. 400 meter - Ryan Bates (AC), 51.98. 200 meter - Joel Whinghter (AC), 22.67.
Girls: Brentwood 107; Augusta Christian 91; Pinewood 63; Trinity 50; Augusta Prep 15; Westminster 11.
Augusta Christian, Augusta Prep individual event winners: 3,200 meter - Sarah Madebach (AC), 12:07.5. 1,600 meter - Annie Kim (AC), 5:46. 800 meter - Rebekah Madebach (AC), 2:33.16.