Rowland, Nelson take state honors

Dorman's Marcus Rowland has been named the Gatorade boys' state track and field athlete of the year while Brianna Nelson of J.L. Mann won the girls' award.

Rowland, who signed a scholarship to run for Auburn, was a three-time all-state selection and capped a brilliant career this spring by setting the state record in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.38 seconds.

He also won the 200 meters at the state meet and was a member of the gold-medal 4x400 relay to lead Dorman to the Class AAAA state title.

His best 100 time of the year, 10.28, was the fourth best in the country for a high school performer, while his best time in the 200, 21.07, put him in 19th place nationally.

"Athletically, he's done some pretty incredible things," Dorman coach Jeff Buys said. "He's been a lot of fun to work with and develop, but as fast as he is, I will remember him more for the person he is than for the times that he ran. He's a really humble young man and a great leader on our team."

The award is based on athletic and academic achievements. He is a B student and serves as a volunteer for numerous organizations.

Nelson, who was a sophomore this spring, led the Patriots to the Class AAA team title as a team, with two victories and a second-place finish. Nelson won the 400-meter run with a time of 53.89 seconds, just off her best time of 53.52 in the event, which ranked as the fifth-fastest time in the nation this spring. Nelson also won the 200-meter dash with a time of 24.17 and placed second in the 100 meters in 11.93. Nelson won the 400 at the 2008 Nike Indoor Nationals and placed second in the event at the 2007 Nike Outdoor Nationals.

"You're going to see her at the Olympics some day," J.L. Mann coach George Moss said. "The love and passion she has for track separates her from everyone else. I've known her since she was 2 years old, and she's always had that."

Nelson has maintained a 4.15 GPA in the classroom.

Pritcher commits

James Island pitcher Austin Pritcher has committed to play for The Citadel.

Pritcher is a rising senior and had a sold junior season. He started seven games and posted a 4-1 record, with a 2.23 ERA. He walked nine and struck out 42 in 44 innings of work.

Pritcher also plays for the Diamond Devils travel team.

Reach Philip M. Bowman at pbowman@postandcourier.com or 937-5592.