Kermit Whitfield's two titles not enough for Jones in controversial 2A state meet

Whitfield ran the fastest 200 meter time in Central Florida history, but the Tigers finished runner-up for a third straight season

 

JACKSONVILLE – Jones junior Levonte "Kermit" Whitfield electrified the crowd at Saturday's Class 2A state track and field meet, running the fastest 200-meter dash time in Central Florida history on his way to a pair of individual titles at the University of North Florida.

Whitfield also repeated in the 100, but his effort wasn't enough to carry the Tigers to a coveted team title. They ended three points behind Plantation American Heritage, finishing as the runner-up for the third straight year.

"I'm very happy, but I really wanted to win state as a team," said Whitfield, whose 20.96 second effort in the 200 is the fastest time in the country by a junior. "I don't really care about what I do, I wanted to do nothing but win for the team."