Jonesboro, AR — (JonesboroRightNow.com) — Aug. 5, 2025 — Members of NEA Gold Rush, an AAU Track and Field Sports team, competed against athletes from across the nation in the 2025 Junior Olympics Games.

NEA Gold Rush Coach Courtney Phillips said, while the team didn’t do as well as expected, he was proud of them for making it to the Junior Olympics for the fourth year in a row.

One of the biggest national youth competitions of the year, the AAU Junior Olympics features approximately 15,000 youth athletes competing in various sports. It is the largest youth multi-sport event in the country, showcasing a wide range of athletic activities for participants of all ages.

The track and field portion of the competition was July 26 through Aug. 2 at Humble High School in Humble, TX, a town outside of Houston.

Phillips started the team five years ago, after the start of COVID-19, to give young athletes more opportunities for meets. Athletes ranging from 5 to 18 years old from across Northeast Arkansas make up NEA Gold Rush.

Of the 35 team members, 10 qualified for the Junior Olympics after winning three gold medals at the AAU Regional Qualifier Meet in June in Springfield, MO. The region includes Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Of the qualifying athletes, only five were able to attend the Junior Olympics for various reasons. They are listed below:

  • Madison Andrews, 16, of Jonesboro High School, who placed 10th in the 15/16-year-old Girls Triple Jump.
  • Jayden Parnell, 16, of Brookland High School, who placed 14th in the 15/16-year-old Boys Triple Jump and 27th in the 15/16-year-old Boys Long Jump.
  • Cameron Phillips, 18, of Nettleton High School, who placed 21st in the 17/18-year-old Boys Triple Jump.
  • Lyam Rennels, 14, of Valley View Middle School, who placed 35th in the 14-year-old Boys Triple Jump.
  • Malakhi Parnell, 12, of Brookland Middle School, who placed 46th in the 12-year-old Boys Long Jump.

Now, Phillips said all the team can do is get back to work as it prepares even harder for the 2025 AAU Track and Field Indoor Nationals in a few months.

“They expected to do a little better, too,” Phillips said. “Nobody is mad, just disappointed. We’re just going to get back to work and prepare for nationals in October.”

Local supporter Ada Chestnut said for the last five years, the team has been dominating the sport as athletes have advanced in rankings, and some have earned scholarships to college.

“Coach Phillips is dedicated to the success of all athletes and work with each of them to increase their potential,” Chestnut said.

For update on the team or to show support, visit the NEA Gold Rush Facebook page.