HOOVER, Ala. — The Fairhope Pirates started the 2011 track and field season in a big way last weekend at the Hoover High School Open near Birmingham.

The meet is one of the largest and most competitive in the state with 32 teams competing such as 6A powerhouses Mountain Brook and Hoover as well as perennial 5A championship contender Scottsboro, coached this year by former Spanish Fort head coach Chris Schmidt who led the Toros to back-to-back 5A state titles.

Several Fairhope participants finished in the top-10 in various events, including senior thrower Michael Phillips who finished the shotput in second place overall and set a new Fairhope High School record with a throw of 48-feet, 10-inches.

For the full story, see our Friday, March 4 edition.