By: Susie A Wolf
Emma and Abby Raines picked up second and fourth in 300 hurdles for the East Rankin Academy (ERA) track and field team at the District Meet in April. They have qualified for the State Meet to compete in their last track meet together which was held on May 2, 2025, at Jackson Academy and May 3 at Jackson Prep.
The sisters are currently Overall District Champions and four-time 5A cross-country state champions. Abby, a graduating senior, has been participating in hurdles and high jump for seven years while Emma, a ninth grader, has been participating in all events for four years.
“Both are good girls who have worked hard for me, ERA Coach David Hopper said, “Abby was in the first group I coached at East Rankin. Emma is a mainstay and one of the top five runners in our group.”
Abby qualified for State in high jump with a 5.0 jump, which is a personal record. She graduated May 2, 2025 and plans to study physical therapy at William Carey University in Hattiesburg, where she won a cheerleading scholarship. She said she is not planning to run competitively in college.
“Emma has a great deal of potential,” Hopper said. She is a versatile runner and is currently the District Meet champ finishing first in 100m hurdles. She also placed in 400m dash, and 4x400m relay. She holds the school record in both 100m hurdles and 300m hurdles.
Hopper said there is another 11-year-old Raines sister that has already unofficially started running with the team, though it may be a while before she competes.
Abby and Emma Raines have qualified for the State Track Meet in Jackson in May. Abby qualified with a personal best 5.0 high jump. Emma qualified with 2nd place in 300m hurdles and 400m run.
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