2026

GEORGE JENKINS 1600M SHOWCASE

On June 5,1964 Jim Ryun became the first HS runner to eclipse the four minute barrier in the mile, which began a career that included 6 world records, an Olympic silver medal, 10 U.S. records, and a lengthy “second” career serving our country as a congressman from the great state of Kansas. We will be honored on Thursday night at the George Jenkins 1600m Showcase as Jim will be our honorary starter for the boys championship 1600.

Some the state’s top “milers” will be looking for fast times under the lights at George Jenkins Stadium in Lakeland begining at 7:30, with the girls leading the way , followed by the boys. Topping the field on the girl’s side will be the junior from Zephyrhills, Lydia Vincent. Lydia will be looking to add her name to the list of Florida girls that have gone sub 5 for the metric mile.

The boys field will be a deep one ,with all of the top 16 seeds looking to go sub 4:30, highlighted by what should be a great battle for the Championship Belt and a possible run at sub 4:15 with Strawberry Crest’s Jaxon Kiper and Sunlake’s Christian Hindman leading the charge. Kiper has already gone 4:20 this season, and Hindman has clocked 4:21 and 1:56 in the 800.  Plant City senior Fabian Sosa(4:25),Sunlake senior Oscar Brown(4:27), and  Geneva Classical senior Tyler McDow(4:30) should make for a night to remember UNDER THE LIGHTS !!