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Over the summer, Landrum High School track and field athletes Cole Johnson and Marc Baker competed at the Nike Outdoor National Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Johnson finished in fifth place in javelin with a throw of 187’ 5”, while Baker finished in 22nd place with a throw of 150’ 4”. 

New track and field head coach Todd Harris said of both athletes, “Cole will be throwing the javelin for the University of Kentucky, and he’s very excited. Marc is back at Landrum High School, and I am excited to see what he will accomplish as a senior this year. He is a dedicated athlete and will be great this season.”

Johnson and Baker both earned All-State 2A honors in javelin. Colton Link earned All-State 2A in the high jump.

Several other track and field athletes were recognized for their achievements after last season. Matilee Clayton and Jayden Phillips each received the Coaches Award, and Karmyn Bligen and Skylar Pien were each named Rookie of the Year. Elizabeth Fincher and Colton Link were named Best on the Track. Jordan Higgins and Jace Carr were named Best in the Field, and Julia Williamson and Cole Johnson were named Most Valuable Player for girls and boys, respectively.

Sydney Price was also recognized for her accomplishments in javelin after winning Region Championship, Upper State Championship and State Championship in javelin for two consecutive years and was also named All-State.

“Sydney will be looking for three in a row. She is an incredible athlete,” Coach Harris says. “She does dual sports during the track season, also playing softball.”

Coach Harris expressed pride in his track athletes and their accomplishments last year, adding that he is excited to see what this coming season holds for them. As he begins his first year as head coach, Harris emphasizes the importance of teaching life lessons and building character and positive attitudes in athletes.

“Being a coach goes much further than just coaching an event,” he says. “I look for the positive on and off the track.”