Freshman Kyla Shuman Shatters 400-Meter Record

South Effingham girls set four school records at Mustang Madness, led by Shuman's blazing 400-meter debut.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 11:20pm

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South Effingham freshman Kyla Shuman broke the school record in the 400-meter run at the Mustang Madness track meet, finishing with a time of 57.29 seconds and dismantling the previous record by over three seconds. Shuman's record-breaking performance highlighted a strong showing for the South Effingham girls' team, which set four school records on the day.

Why it matters

Shuman's record-breaking debut as a freshman is an impressive feat that showcases the depth of talent on the South Effingham girls' track team. The school's ability to develop young athletes and set new standards of excellence is a point of pride for the community.

The details

Shuman dusted the field in the 400-meter run, finishing with a time of 57.29 seconds to break the previous school record of 1:00.35 set by Syraiah Wilkins. Shuman also teamed up with Giselle Lattany, Marquavia Williams, and Wilkins to set a new school record in the girls' 4x100 relay with a time of 48.74 seconds. Wilkins herself had a standout day, setting new school records in the 200 meters (25.32) and 100-meter hurdles (14.22).

  • Shuman ran 57.01 in the 400 meters for her club team, Coastal Georgia, last summer.
  • The Mustang Madness track meet took place on Saturday, March 14, 2026.

The players

Kyla Shuman

A freshman at South Effingham High School who broke the school record in the 400-meter run with a time of 57.29 seconds.

Syraiah Wilkins

A South Effingham senior who previously held the school records in the 400 meters, 200 meters, and 100-meter hurdles, but saw her records fall to younger teammates at the Mustang Madness meet.

Rico Campbell

The head coach of the South Effingham track and field teams.

Marcus Campbell

A member of the South Effingham boys' 4x200 relay team that set a new school record with a time of 1:30.98.

Jayden Hair

A member of the South Effingham boys' 4x200 relay team that set a new school record and also ran a personal best time of 10.97 seconds in the 100-meter dash.

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What they’re saying

“Coming in as a freshman, it feels really great. Running the 400 just takes practice. You have to get out fast. That gives you momentum for the straightaway. Then you have to finish.”

— Kyla Shuman

“I think we really can do better. Our handoffs were a little off. We're still learning each other's top speed.”

— Jayden Hair

“She didn't have anyone pushing her, but she did a good job getting out and running well. She gets locked in really easy.”

— Rico Campbell, South Effingham Coach

What’s next

The South Effingham track and field teams will look to build on their strong performances at Mustang Madness as they prepare for the upcoming state championships.

The takeaway

South Effingham's track and field program is developing a new generation of talented athletes, led by standout freshman Kyla Shuman's record-breaking 400-meter debut. The school's ability to nurture young talent and set new standards of excellence bodes well for the future of the program.