Priceville track and field finishes second in state championships

This past weekend, it was a David vs. Goliath story at the 4A state track and field championships in Mobile. The Priceville Bulldogs, who took only six athletes to the championships, finished runner-up over teams with more athletes.

“Wow! That is about all I can say. Who finishes second with just six kids?,” Priceville head coach Chris Odom said. “Super emotional weekend in so many ways. Three of the four seniors have been with me since I became the head coach and stuck with me even when I had no clue what I was doing. To see them lead the team to second (place) was simply amazing.”

Adam “Woody” Taylor was the standout performer in the 4A state championships. He was named MVP following his wins in the 400 meters, 800 meters and 1600 meters. He ran 1:55:04 to set a state record and the fastest 800 time in any classification. He also anchored the 4×400 team that finished fifth.

“We knew coming in that the 800 record was in reach, and he planned to break it. But, we didn’t know that his finish would be the fastest 800 time in any classification,” Odom said. “He has been very disciplined in his training and leading by example. He is an Eagle Scout, which rarely happens with high school kids. He is a tremendous runner. I can’t wait to see what he does at UAH under Coach Cain. Woody will be missed not for his talent but for his leadership skills. He will be very successful in whatever he does.”

The 4×100 team of Mason Cartee, Reece Young, Bryant Stephens and Colton Fowler finished second, while Bryant Stephens had a second-place finish in the 110-meter hurdles.

Cartee also scored points with a sixth-place finish in the long jump and a seventh-place finish in the high jump.

The team finished with 54 points, behind Anniston, who had 81. The Bulldogs finished in Montgomery Academy (48), and Brooks and Handley finished with 40.