During halftime of the Hobbton-Midway football game Friday night, Josh Polk was honored for his achievements in track last year.
“We would like to direct your attention to midfield for a special presentation. It is time for the state championship ring presentation for Mr. Josh Polk,” said announcer Michael Warren.
“The 2016-2017 season was historic, as Josh Polk earned three individual state championships,” Warren explained. “To date, Polk has helped the Hobbton Track & Field win six Carolina 1-A Conference Championships, two Sampson County Championships and a 1-A Mideast Regional Championship in just the past three years. Hobbton has been ranked in the top 10 in the state for three consecutive years during his tenure and Polk’s dedication to the sport has allowed him to become Hobbton’s most decorated track & field athlete with a year still remaining.”
For his efforts, Polk received two rings from Hobbton High School principal Jennifer Daughtry. The first comes as a result of Polk winning the 300-meter dash at the 1A/2A Indoor State Championship. That state-winning performance also earned Polk a spot at the National Indoor Championships, which was held at The Armory Track & Field Center in New York, N.Y.
Polk’s second state championship ring represents winning two events at the outdoor state championship. To start, Polk won the 100-meter dash and later came back to complete the double, as he won the 200-meter dash. For his performance, Polk was also named the 1-A Most Valuable Athlete of the meet, garnering him an MVP plaque by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA).
Polk was accompanied by his parents, Edgar and Jennifer Polk, and sisters Audrianna and Nyla, as well as former Hobbton track coach Jeff Klaves. Polk is also the 2017 drum major for the Marching Wildcats.