Athletics News

Season Recap: Track & Field

The TFS track and field teams were coming off a season in which the boys placed a program-best third overall at state (and won the area title) and the girls 15th. That success elevated the program coming into this season.

Despite battling adversity in the way of multiple injuries, both teams still were represented at the state level. The girls were able to improve on last season's finish, coming in 14th to post back-to-back "Sweet 16s".

Throughout the course of the season, relay teams and individuals continued to rewrite the school record book. A grand total of six school records fell, and nearly every athlete made improvements on their personal-best times or distances. Among the school records that were broken includes the boys 800, 1600, 3200, and 4x200 relay. Senior Naval Academy signee Evan Prince, who was forced to miss the Area and State Championships due to injury, broke his own school records in the distance events. The 4x200 relay team also set a new record.

For the girls, both the 4x200 relay team and the high jump records were broken, as sophomore Julianne Shirley set the new mark in the latter event. Senior Macy Murdock, a Berry College signee, was often close to a school record set by Anna Davis — a former multi-state champion. Murdock finished as the state runner-up in the 300 meter hurdles and fourth overall in the 100 meter hurdles.

Among those who placed well at the state meet includes Sam Ketch (7th in shot put), Murdock (runner-up in 300 MH; fourth in 100 MH), Shirley (11th in high jump; state qualifier in 400 M), and the boys 4x100 and 4x800 relay teams, as well as the girls 4,200, 4x400, and 4x800 relay teams. While the girls finished the season 14th at state, the boys came in 26th overall.

The Lady Indians were the third-place team at Area, using an exciting 4x400 relay finish to secure that spot. Murdock won area titles in both hurdles events, and the aforementioned relay group also took the top spot. The girls' 4x200 relay team and Shirley (400 M) earned area runner-up status.

Despite the departure of both Murdock and Prince, who left lasting legacies at TFS, the future remains bright with several young athletes set to return in 2023 for coach Scott Neal. Seniors who are graduating include Murdock, Caroline Ball, Shelby Brightwell, and Madi Perdue for the girls, and Prince and George Ketch (Berry College signee) for the boys.