There was an unusual college signing last week at Clinton High School. For the first time in memory, four athletes from a single sport all signed their letters-of-intent at the same time.
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CLINTON — There was an unusual college signing last week at Clinton High School. For the first time in memory, four athletes from a single sport all signed their letters-of-intent at the same time.
The ladies signed together because the girls track & field team has always been a “family” of teammates who cheer each other on, support each other, and spend time together as a “family,” athletes said.
The girls were introduced as they sat at the signing table. First was Olivia Earl, the daughter of Wanda and Tim Earl. She will attend Olivet Nazarene to further her pole vaulting career and to study elementary education with a minor in Christian children’s ministry. The christian family atmosphere is what drew Olivia to this particular university.
Next was Tori Burke, daughter of Tracey and Tim Burke. She will attend Illinois Wesleyan (IWU), furthering her sprinting career, while studying in the nursing program. Tori was drawn to IWU because of the chemistry of the track & field team, some of what she felt at Clinton from her coaches, also IWU attendees.
The third Lady Maroon to sign was Aryn Scott, the daughter of Amanda and Tony Scott. She will attend Greenville University as a distance runner and expand her studies in biology and chemistry. Aryn chose Greenville because of it’s family atmosphere and because it is a Christian university.
And, there was Payne Turney, the daughter of Jody and Josh Turney. She will attend Purdue University as a distance and cross country runner. Payne is planning on studying biochemistry at Purdue to hopefully pursue a career in the agricultural industry. She was drawn to Purdue because of it’s rich history of high standards in academics and athletics.
CLINTON — With the outbreak of virus in our world, it has cut short many seasons. So, goes the track & field indoor and (possibly) outdoor seasons.
The Lady Maroons did get in one final indoor meet (held at Illinois Wesleyan) on March 11, just ahead of the outbreak. The meet was limited in the number of entrants, but it was still a productive meet.
There were several Lady Maroons who placed or had personal best events. And, as always, the peer chosen athlete of the meet.
The Lady Maroons finished the meet in 10th place out of 18 schools (both large and small).
Those with top five finishes or personal records during the meet follow:
• Payne Turney - 1st place in the 1600 meter run (Payne currently is #3 in this event in the state)
• Olivia Earl - matched her personal indoor pole vault record (10’)
• Autumn Brinkotter - matched her personal indoor pole vault record (7’)
• Alayna Earle - set a lifetime personal record in the triple jump (8 meters)
• Maddie Bartles - lifetime personal record 4 x 200 split
• Natalie Rhodes - lifetime personal records in 4 x 200 & 4 x 400 splits
• Jayd Rich - lifetime personal record 4 x 400 split
• Chloe Barth - lifetime personal records in 4 x 400 & 4 x 800 split
And the peer athlete of the meet was Alexa Harris. She not only ran her personal best times in 4 x 400 & 4 x 800 relays, but when a teammate had to drop from a relay, Alexa stepped up and ran with the 4 x 200 relay squad. This meet was a good effort for the team.