FHSAA Class 2A Track Finals: Follow Along Here

The latest from Winter Park: South Lake junior Jeff Demps set a new state record with a 10.37 in the 100 meters, eclipsing the previous mark of 10.38, which was held by Coral Springs' Walter Dix and Ocala Forest's Tony McCall.

St. Petersburg Catholic high jumper Jaggar MacDonald finished second behind Crystal River's Ronnie Baldner, who cleared 6-10 en route to the state title. . . Hernando's 4 by 800 relay team had a great showing, placing second with a school-record 8:03.19. . .For complete details and updates on local kids from Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties who are competing at the Class 2A track finals today, click here.

Crystal River's Baldner nabs state gold

Ronnie Baldner picked a good time to nail the best jump of his life.

The Crystal River high jumper cleared 6-foot-10 to win the state title, setting a new personal best in the process.

"It was state," Baldner said. "I had to get it."

St. Petersburg Catholic senior Jaggar MacDonald finished second, while Pasco junior Demetrous Larry finished fifth.

Hernando ecstatic about relay performance

Silver medals draped around their necks and grins plastered across their faces, Ben Martucci, Drew Martucci, Chris Martin and Joe Wright didn't need to say much about their performance in the 4 by 800 early Saturday afternoon. Running in fourth for most of the race, Ben Martucci ran a blazing 1:57 anchor leg to help give the Leopards a second-place finish in a school-record time of 8:03.19.

"We didn't expect to run this fast," Drew Martucci said.

The Leopards had entered the race seeded third, but surpassed all expectations.

"I asked them: Just give Ben a chance to run at somebody," coach Ernie Chatman said.

Said Ben Martucci: "I felt perfect. I had so much power."

Other notes: Robinson senior Greg Ellingson placed 14th in the long jump with a 21-02.75. . .Tampa Jesuit junior John Ervin placed sixth in the discus with a toss of 144-00.75. . .Zephyrhills junior Ashley Anderton placed 14th in the shot put with a 32-05.00. . .Berkeley Prep placed ninth in the Girls 4 by 800 with a 10:01.12. Tampa Catholic placed 15th with a 10:18.94. . .Tampa Jesuit placed eighth in the boys 4 by 800 with a time of 8:12.36.