It’s easy to reference the  opening of Charles Dicken’s classic, “A Tale of Two Cities,” when reviewing the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Class 1A-3A state track championships, held Friday and Saturday at Selma’s Memorial Stadium.

On the one hand, you had champions crowned in the events, teams honored for their group efforts and participants hailed for records set. Then, there was the other side of the coin.

Keith’s Stephanie Carson, the third-leg runner on the school’s 4×400 relay could only watch as the time her team posted was beaten by seven other teams, knocking them out of medal contention.

All they could celebrate was an eighth place finish.

As for Holly Pond hurdler Starsha Trimble, she unfortunately did not get to finish  the race as she was injured crossing a hurdle, leaving her lying on the track. A coach ran from the stands to carry her to a waiting golf cart, which then took her to the trainers for treatment.

The physical pain, combined with the emotional pain, was clear as she covered her face.

In all, Selma Parks and Recreation Director Elton Reece said Saturday afternoon, the event ran very smooth, and even dodged the expected wet weather forecasted.

“We’re tremendously pleased with how everything went,” Reece said. “The sun’s shining and the races are going on as scheduled.”