By Myra Bean

For the first time in school history, North Panola has a state champion.

Tyrus “T-Mack” Mack became the first individual/team to bring a state title to the North Panola School District. It happened this past weekend at the 3A state track meet. He had to keep practicing, going through each level of competition and working hard all the while his mother was sick and last week went through open-heart surgery.

Mack said she was home and recovering well.

Monday morning, Mack was walking around the school as he does every day in his school uniform and trademark smile but on this day, he wore his two medals from the state championship meet.

He placed first in the 300 meter hurdles with a time of 39.62 seconds.

In the 100 meter hurdles, he placed second with a time of 14.79 seconds, about two tenths of a second behind winner Micheal Berry of Magee.

The only other state participant was Jelisa Lyons in the shot put. She placed fifth with a throw of 31’4”.

“I felt real good Saturday and so  proud of our athletes,” said high school principal Randy Ball.

Cougar track head coach Robert Hunter was full of praise about both athletes.

“My girl (Jelisa) performed outstanding,” Hunter said. “I am really proud of her. They both did great.”

Hunter took Mack and Lyons to Jackson on Thursday and provided an educational experience for them. They spent the afternoon with Panola County representative Dr. Joe C. Gardner who showed them around the capitol and introduced them to local and other state representatives and senators present.