Local Athletes Shine at State Track Meet

Elizabethton's Liahna Nave wins state title in shot put, Northeast Tennessee schools excel in field and track events

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Several local athletes from Northeast Tennessee had standout performances at the Tennessee State Indoor Track & Field Championships in Nashville. Elizabethton junior Liahna Nave won the state title in the girls' shot put and placed fourth in the girls' weight throw. Other local athletes had strong showings in the field events, including runner-up finishes for Science Hill's Cameron Reece in the boys' weight throw and Daniel Boone's 4x400 relay team. On the track, University High's Valencia Kittrell placed third in the girls' 400m and fifth in the 200m, while Dobyns-Bennett and Daniel Boone had multiple top-8 finishes in relay events.

Why it matters

The strong performances by Northeast Tennessee athletes at the state indoor track meet showcase the depth of talent in the region's high school sports programs. These results will likely boost the profile of the local schools and athletes, potentially leading to increased college recruitment opportunities and community pride.

The details

Liahna Nave, a junior at Elizabethton High School, won the state championship in the girls' shot put with a throw of 11.89 meters, edging out Jaida Harmon of Brentwood Academy. Nave also placed fourth in the girls' weight throw with a mark of 12.14 meters. In the boys' weight throw, Science Hill's Cameron Reece finished runner-up, while Daniel Boone's Jacob Feathers was third. Cherokee teammates Evan Laster and Riley Elkins placed fourth and fifth, respectively, and Boone's Miach Martin was seventh. Cherokee's Isaac Bryan took fourth in the boys' high jump. On the track, University High's Valencia Kittrell placed third in the girls' 400m and fifth in the 200m. Dobyns-Bennett and Daniel Boone had strong showings in the relay events, with the D-B girls finishing runner-up in the 4x400 and the Boone boys taking second in the 4x800.

  • The Tennessee State Indoor Track & Field Championships took place on Sunday, February 9, 2026 in Nashville.

The players

Liahna Nave

A junior at Elizabethton High School who won the state championship in the girls' shot put and placed fourth in the girls' weight throw.

Jaida Harmon

A student-athlete from Brentwood Academy who finished runner-up to Nave in the girls' shot put.

Cameron Reece

A student-athlete from Science Hill High School who finished runner-up in the boys' weight throw.

Jacob Feathers

A student-athlete from Daniel Boone High School who placed third in the boys' weight throw.

Valencia Kittrell

A student-athlete from University High School who placed third in the girls' 400m and fifth in the girls' 200m.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The strong performances by Northeast Tennessee athletes at the state indoor track meet showcase the depth of talent in the region's high school sports programs. These results will likely boost the profile of the local schools and athletes, potentially leading to increased college recruitment opportunities and community pride.