It's a Freshman Class Record in the 100m
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On Friday, it was C.E. King freshman Dillon Mitchell making headlines with his wind-legal (+1.8) 10.35 in the 100m dash at the Texas A&M Bluebonnet High School Invitational. Mitchell, who has been competing in youth track and playing football for years, had long been a highly anticipated arrival in the high school ranks. The heavily recruited slot receiver's prelim time not only showcased his elite speed but also set a new Freshman Class National Record, breaking the previous mark of 10.35 set by Jamar Ervin in 2000.
Mitchell wasn't finished after his record-setting prelim. In the finals, he stormed down the track again, crossing the line in 10.29 seconds- though the wind aid (+2.6) made the mark ineligible for record purposes, it was a stunning display of raw speed. His 10.29 would have been the fastest legal time of the meet, further proving his dominance against older, more experienced competition.
Mitchell's 10.35 in the prelims wasn't just a freshman record; it was a time that put him on the radar of elite sprinters across the country. Breaking a record that had stood for over two decades is no small feat, especially as a freshman. His performance in the finals, while just shy of being official due to the wind, demonstrated his potential to go even faster.
This isn't the first time Mitchell has rewritten the record books. Last summer, at the USATF National Junior Olympic Championships, he clocked 10.45 to set the age 14 national record in the 100m dash. That race hinted at his potential, and now, just months later, he has taken another massive step forward with his record-breaking freshman campaign.
At just 15 years old, Mitchell has already established himself as a force to be reckoned with in high school track and field. With more than half of the outdoor season still to go, it's exciting to think about how much faster he can get. As one of the most promising sprinting talents in the nation, Mitchell has a bright future ahead of him, and if this race was any indication, the best is yet to come.