Jim Tom Pilgreen, a Pillow Academy senior, won two state titles at the MAIS AAA state track and field meet on Saturday at Mississippi College in Clinton.
Pilgreen’s double wins in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes were the Mustangs’ only wins at the meet, which was mostly dominated by Jackson Prep and Jackson Academy.
Pillow boys track coach Alex Tsema said that he has watched Pilgreen grow as a runner over the past few years.
“He a really good runner,” Tsema said. “He is a very hard worker and very dedicated.”
Pilgreen has balanced both baseball and track this year, not an easy feat, Tsema said.
“He would come in and practice early in the morning on his starting position,” Tsema said.
“He would practice all the time.”
Pilgreen ran the 100 in 10.93 seconds, and the 200 in 22.45 seconds. Tsema said that those were Pilgreen’s best times in those events so far.
“He’s been running track since the ninth grade and every year he just gets better and better,” Tsema said. “This was his best ever on both events.”
After long track and baseball seasons, Pilgreen may finally get some rest.
The state meet was the final track event of the year. Pillow finished its baseball season last week. The Mustangs completed the season with a record 14-16 overall and 10-11 in North AAA Division II.
Jackson Prep and JA tied for the AAA boys track title. Each team scored 136½ points.
Prep also won the girls championship.
