Tanner Jackson and Austin Elrod
CULLMAN – Cullman High School Principal Kim Hall was honored to see seven student-athletes sign NCAA letters of intent Wednesday.
While five were representing the sport of baseball, two got the opportunity they have been waiting for, a chance to compete in collegiate track and field.
Tanner Jackson and Austin Elrod will be going to Troy University. The two signed the dotted line to the Sun Belt Conference school.
Both have tremendous skills in the discus, coach Kristen Barnett pointed out following the signing.
"Austin and Tanner have worked very hard. They have positive attitudes and have done some much for the program," she said.
"Both compete in the shot put, but Austin and Tanner are very devoted to the discus," Barnett continued. "They know what it takes to get the job done in being state indoor and outdoor qualifiers. They give us an opportunity to score points when we need them in events. Both have worked themselves into a leadership role for the team."
Elrod earned All-State honors in the discus in 2015 and 2016. He has also competed in the National Junior Olympics the last two seasons. His best throw in the discus has been measured at 163-feet, 4-inches.
Jackson last season compiled personal records in the discus at 135-feet, 3-inches and 46-feet, 8-inches in the shot put. That enabled him to qualify for the state meet this past spring that was held in Gulf Shores.
Troy has an indoor track schedule that includes four assignments inside the CrossPlex in Birmingham.
Elrod and Jackson look at their senior year for the Bearcats with all indoor events to be at the CrossPlex as well. The opener will be the Holiday Inn Invitational Dec. 10.
They will also take part in the Icebreaker Invitational Jan. 7, the Last Chance Invitational Jan. 27-28 and the state indoor championships Feb. 3-4.
"It's been great coaching them here at Cullman High School," Barnett said. "We are expecting a lot of good things out of them in the indoor season, along with the outdoor season."
Hall said the next national letter of intent signing day will be Feb. 1. Football player Hunter Brannon is expected to sign with the University of Alabama and other players from sports such as soccer and softball are to be a part of the festivities as well.
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