Hazel Green, Ala. – The Hazel Green High School Track & Field team will travel to Muscle Shoals, Alabama on Friday and Saturday, April 24–25, to compete in the AHSAA Class 6A Section 4 Championships—the qualifying meet that determines who advances to the state championships in Gulf Shores.
This year’s sectional carries added significance as it marks the final season under the current alignment before realignment takes effect. It will be one of the last opportunities for Hazel Green to compete against this familiar group of North Alabama programs, raising the stakes and intensity across every event.
With 47 athletes entered, the Trojans bring a balanced lineup featuring experienced state qualifiers, emerging talent, and several athletes poised to compete in multiple events.
Sprints
The sprint group enters Sectionals as one of the team’s strongest units, led by a mix of veteran leadership and rising stars.
Head Coach Raymond Gilstrap will rely on Jessica Harbin, Raylin Caldwell, Paityn Banks, Timothy Pruitt, AJ Baker, and Joseph Henderson to lead the charge.
Jessica Harbin makes her fourth consecutive sectional appearance and continues to build on an already historic career. A former Meridianville Middle School standout, she has qualified for the AHSAA State Meet in each of her first three seasons. Raylin Caldwell, now in her second sectional, looks to secure another trip to Gulf Shores.
Paityn Banks has been one of the team’s most consistent performers this season, leading Hazel Green in both the 100m and 100m hurdles while repeatedly lowering her personal bests. On the boys side, Timothy Pruitt leads the team in the 100m and is chasing his third trip to the state championships, while AJ Baker, the team’s 200m leader, looks to make a strong final postseason push. Joseph Henderson enters his first postseason experience, adding depth to the sprint squad.
In the 200m, Baker and Pruitt return alongside Caiden Sedlacek, who continues to expand his role beyond hurdles. The girls will be represented by Harbin, Sloan Williams, and Caldwell, giving Hazel Green multiple scoring opportunities.
400 Meter & Mid-Sprint Events
The 400m group features several athletes doubling across sprint and relay events.
Sloan Williams and Donovan Lanier lead the team in the event, with Williams also contributing in jumps and relays. They are joined by Alaina Hardin, the 2026 Madison County JV champion, along with Jessica Harbin, Micah Kentish, and David Jones, both making their postseason debut.
Hurdles
The hurdle crew enters Sectionals as a major strength for the Trojans.
Paityn Banks, Myles Pope, and Caiden Sedlacek headline the group, each ranked among the top competitors in the section. Pope is the reigning 2026 Indoor 6A State Champion in the 60m hurdles, while Sedlacek leads the team in both the 110m and 300m hurdles and is looking to return to the state stage.
They will be joined by Zachary Morris, Juliette Douglas, and Maci Sedlacek, who is working her way back after a significant injury. Morris and Douglas both look to make their first state meet appearances.
Distance
The distance squad has consistently dominated both within the team and across the section.
On the boys side, Nehemiah Johnson, Josiah Johnson, John Moltz, and Troy Wood form a powerful group capable of scoring across the 800m, 1600m, and 3200m. Nehemiah Johnson, the reigning 2025 Class 6A Cross Country State Champion, enters as one of the top runners in the state and is currently ranked second statewide in the 800m. Josiah Johnson is ranked second in the section in the 3200m, while John Moltz aims for his second consecutive trip to the state meet.
For the girls, Sakura Hollingsed, Savannah Foreman, Danielle Foreman, and Emmerson Foreman lead the way. Savannah Foreman, a senior, is pushing toward her first state appearance, while Hollingsed and the Foreman group bring depth across multiple distance events and relays.
Throws
The throws squad brings a mix of postseason experience and first-time qualifiers.
Jonathan Mann and London Boedeker headline the group as returning postseason competitors. They are joined by Gavin Locke, Timothy Locke, Troy Lewis, Gauge Peel, Tyson Moon, Adonis Billingsley, Piper Seebeck, Addison Wood, and Deaira Taft. Many of these athletes will be competing in their first sectional meet, looking to make an immediate impact.
Jumps
The “flight crew” will be a key scoring unit for Hazel Green, with several athletes ranked near the top of the section.
Sloan Williams leads the state in the long jump and will be a top contender. Piper Seebeck is currently ranked second in the section in the high jump, while Kwesi Jackson holds the same ranking in the triple jump.
They are joined by Traveion Sanford, Milton Sledge III, Elijah Mike, Erin Jordan-Nwadike, and Jurnee Moore—many of whom will compete in multiple jumping events. Several of these athletes will be battling for one of the five qualifying spots to advance to Gulf Shores.
Relays
Relay teams could play a decisive role in advancing athletes to state.
The girls 4x100 relay enters as the top-ranked team in Section 4 and will look to secure its fourth state appearance in the past five years. Currently ranked 5th in the state, the group brings both experience and speed.
The girls 4x400 relay, ranked third in the section, is aiming for its first return to state since 2024, while the 4x800 squad looks to establish itself as a contender for a podium finish.
On the boys side, the 4x100, 4x400, and 4x800 teams all face strong competition but remain in contention for qualifying spots with solid performances.
Final Outlook
In the past two seasons, Head Coach Raymond Gilstrap and the entire Hazel Green coaching staff have guided over 20 athletes to the AHSAA State Championships, and with 47 entries this year, the Trojans are well-positioned to continue that success.
With a combination of elite performers, multi-event contributors, and emerging talent, Hazel Green enters Sectionals prepared to compete at a high level. The goal is clear: finish in the top qualifiers, punch tickets to Gulf Shores, and keep the season alive.
Follow Along
A full schedule of events and live results can be found here:
https://al.milesplit.com/meets/745480-ahsaa-6a-section-4-muscle-shoals-2026/info
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