Woodstock long-distance runner Xander Garanzuay was airlifted to the local hospital this weekend after getting struck in the back of the head with a discus. Loved ones told WSB that Garanzuay fell unconscious and began seizing before the helicopter arrived on the scene and took him to the hospital. The Cherokee County athlete underwent surgery and the Woodstock Cross Country social media page provided an update on the situation.
“This is the view of the life flight helicopter that took one of our own after he was hit in the head with a discus. Xander underwent surgery last night and is now stable and alert. Please keep Xander and his family in your thoughts as they work through what will likely be a long recovery.
A gofundme was set up to help cover the medical costs with a goal set at $25,000. As of Thursday afternoon, the page had received over 160 donations surpassing over $7,500.
For the link to Xander’s gofundme CLICK HERE
The Track and Field community continues to rally support for Xander and his recovery will be on the minds of the entire state as the season continues. Xander—a freshman is in the Class of 2028.
TOP PERFORMERS
Each week Georgia Mile Split votes on the top male and female athletes and the nominees for the boys for the week of Feb. 24-March 1 included familiar names like Langston Hughes sprinter Maurice Gleaton. The senior finished first in the 200 meter at the MTFXCCGA meet at Archer High School with a blazing 21.31. Dunwoody’s Blake Williams clocked a 10.39 in the 100 meter at the same meet, Sandy Creek’s Dalen Penson earned first in the 110 meter hurdles with a 14.15 and the Hughes 4×100 relay team earned recognition with a 40.39 finished. The fourth fastest time in event history. Coahulla Creek’s Gage Voyles cleared 6-8 in the high jump at the Southeast Invitational and Allatoona’s Seth Burns earned a top finish in the pole vault at the North Oconee FAT meet with a 15-8. 1600 meter specialist Jackson Hogsed of Lambert finished first in the 1600 with a 4:21. At the Milton Showcase, Alexander’s Justyn McKenzie clocked a 1:55 finish. Additionally, Starr’s Mill’s Jared Moore took first in Shot Put and Discus at the Chapel Hill All Comers meet with a 60-2 and 175-1 throw.
On the girls side, Woodward Academy’s Taylor Gullate was nominated for girls Performer of the Week for her 11.52 top finish in the 100 meter at the the MTFXCCGA Invitational. That event also saw Lailah Green of Archer earn first in the 400 with a 53.95 and the McEachern 4×200 meter relay team clock a 1:36.82—the sixth fastest all time result. Buford’s Janessa brown took the long jump title with a 19-2. All four of these results from the Invitational were nominated for Performer of the Week. Also on the list is North Cobb’s Jasmine Robinson—who won the 100 meter hurdles at the Cartersville Invitational with a 13.73. West Forsyth’s Tess Krogman earned a top finish at the Longhorn Stampede with a 5:09 mile time. Bowdon’s Avery Lowen dominated the distances at the Heard Meet with top finishes in the 1600 (5:11) and 3200 (10:35). Marley Derringer of Bremen stood out in the high jump with a 5-10 at the Cartersville Invitational.
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