Looking Back in History: Zach Clayton, Opelika High Discus Thrower

As the annual AHSAA Track and Field Championship nears, athletes across the state prepare to take home the title in Gulf Shores, along with attempting to break historical records that were set before them.

Some of these records, however, still hold strong, and commemorate not just the athlete but the team that stood behind them.

In 2006, Opelika High School dominated the 6A Class in boys outdoor track and field and won its sixth championship in nine years. For the Bulldogs, huge praise went toward discus thrower, Zach Clayton.

Clayton’s record of a 202-8 toss not only set the AHSAA overall discus record that still remains today, but also ranked nationally in the top five for that year. On top of that, Clayton followed his record breaking performance with a first place win in shot put.

Clayton followed his high school track career with commitment to Auburn University Football as a defensive tackle and was drafted in the seventh round to the Tennessee Titans.

The 2006 Bulldogs were also a force on the track. Tony McCleod placed in the top five of four events, including taking first place in the 100 meter dash.

Opelika Boys Track finished with a score of 82, just passing Mountain Brook High School who totaled 79 and was looking for their first school boys track and field championship.

With the strength of the team, the Bulldogs were able to win back-to-back championships, bringing home their seventh title in 2007.

— By Kacie Barrett, The Auburn Advance