GULF SHORES — Hatton's Eva Armstead didn’t just win the girls Class 4A 400 meters on Friday—she rewrote the record books. Clocking a stunning 53.31, Armstead shattered the Class 4A-7A outdoor state meet record, finishing more than 2.5 seconds ahead of Anniston's Liberty Lewis. According to the AHSAA, her time ranks among the top 15 in the nation for high school runners in 2026—a mark that puts her in elite company on the national stage.
Armstead's historic run was the highlight of a standout day for local athletes at the outdoor state championships. The Class 4A-7A meet unfolded at Gulf Shores Municipal Track, while the Class 1A-3A competition took place in Cullman, showcasing talent from across the state.
Decatur's Kennedy Parham also brought home gold, winning the girls Class 6A 400 meters in 56.46. Meanwhile, Athens Bible School celebrated a pair of individual champions: Meredith Romans took first in the girls Class 1A discus with a throw of 126-10, and Kaylie Key dominated the girls Class 1A 1600 meters with a time of 5:18.72.
Other notable performances included Tanner's Dalyrik Malone, who finished second in the girls Class 2A 400 meters (1:01.37), and Athens Bible's KayLeigh Gaines, who placed third in the girls Class 1A long jump with a leap of 16-02.75. Armstead added to her stellar day with a second-place finish in the Class 4A long jump (18-07.00), while East Lawrence's Analeah King took third in the same event (16-02.75).
In the field events, Hartselle's Chassidy Verser secured second in the girls Class 6A discus with a throw of 123-05, and East Lawrence's Isabella Wright finished runner-up in the girls Class 4A 3200 meters (11:41.57). Lawrence County's Katie Mae Coan (10:58.86) and Brewer's Rose Betts (11:08.25) claimed second and third, respectively, in the girls Class 5A 3200 meters.
On the softball diamond, Ardmore edged Brewer 7-5, rallying with six runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Sullivan Smith led the Tigers with two hits and an RBI, while Makena Hall, Fallon Broadway, Briley Jo Lawhorn, and Piper Abbott each contributed a hit and an RBI. Broadway earned the win in the circle. Brewer's Mackenzie Irmen went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs, and Taylor Pellem added a homer and a single.
East Limestone rolled past Priceville 6-1, thanks to Abby Thompson's complete-game effort, allowing just one run on five hits. Kailey Matthews tripled, doubled, and drove in a run, while Grace Bielat chipped in with two singles and an RBI. Scarlett Brown added a solo home run. Brooklyn Tucker had two hits and an RBI for Priceville.
Ardmore capped the day with an 8-4 win over East Limestone, setting up a shot at the area championship on Saturday.