ATHLETES OF THE WEEK: Groves, Rootz close out careers at states

MATTHEW GROVES

Venice T&F, senior

Groves got the opportunity over the weekend to close out his high school track and field career at the place he’ll begin his college career.

At the Class 4A state championships at the University of North Florida, Groves — a UNF signee — was one of just two area athletes to compete in three events on the state level. His best outing was a fifth-place showing in the 400 meter dash, clocking in at 47.85 seconds.

Groves was also 15th in the 200 meters (22.14) and ran the anchor leg of Venice’s 11th-place 4x400 relay squad.

SIDNEY ROOTZ

Charlotte, T&F, senior

Rootz has been at the heart of Charlotte High’s track and field campaigns ever since stepping foot on campus. She closed out her high school career in style this weekend as the only female athlete in the area to compete in three events at the state track and field championships.

Rootz did her best work in the javelin, finishing 10th with a toss of 34.26 meters (112 feet, 5 inches).

She also competed in the shot put, where she took 16th at 10.41 meters (34-2) and the discus, where her throw of 31.07 meters (101-11) was good for 17th.