Former high-school stars excel at collegiate track and field

Former Lakeside High School standout Reese Hoffa experienced one of the greatest moments of his stellar athletic career last week.

Hoffa not only captured a gold medal in the shotput competition at the 2003 Pan American Games, but he set an all-time games record with a throw of 68 feet, 3/4 inches.

After a great prep career at Lakeside High School, Hoffa signed with the University of Georgia and won All-Southeastern Conference and NCAA All-American honors for the Bulldogs.

Earlier this year Hoffa placed third in shot at the 2003 USA Outdoor Championships to earn a spot in the Pan Am Games. He will compete in the International Association of Athletic Federations' World Outdoor Championships later this month in Paris.

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While we're talking track and field, it would be a good time to update you on former Evans High School star Roy Cheney.

Cheney is preparing for his sophomore season at Clemson University, and there are high expectations for the hurdler, especially after his great freshman campaign with the Tigers.

During the 2002-03 season, Cheney competed in three events and earned honors in all of them: in the 60-meter hurdles, he was named All-Atlantic Coast Conference at the Indoor Championships; he claimed the 110-meter hurdles title at the ACC Outdoor Meet, was selected as All-ACC in that event and was All-ACC in the 400-meter hurdles; and, as a member of the 4x400-meter relay team, he was named an NCAA Indoor All-American.

Also, Cheney qualified for the NCAA East Regionals in the 110-meter hurdles, and qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championships in the 4x400-meter relay.

At the rate he's going, Cheney has a chance to finish his collegiate career as one of the most decorated track athletes in Clemson history.