Marlee Burkley's sophomore season for the Signal Mountain girls' track and field program was one for the record books.
The versatile star paved the way for the Lady Eagles to claim state title No. 8 as she scored 40 of her team's 89 points to win the TSSAA Class AA championship in Murfreesboro. She exploded on the state scene by finishing first at the Spring Fling in the high jump, 100-meter hurdles and the pentathlon.
Burkley put together the best individual track season in Signal Mountain history by setting five school records — high jump (5-foot-6), 100-meter hurdles (15.31 seconds), pentathlon (3,051 points), 300-meter hurdles (44.92) and the long jump (18-1.50). Her high jump mark was just one inch off the state's best.
With two prep seasons remaining, Burkley could match or even surpass the school record of six state titles held by sprinter McKenzie Ethridge. Former Signal Mountain standout thrower Camryn Bowman finished with five state titles in her career.
Burkley's mesmerizing performance landed her on the Tennessee Sports Writers Association's all-state track and field team, which was released Saturday.
"I am very thankful to the good Lord for giving me the ability to jump and run to my ability," said Burkley, who won this year's Times Free Press Best of Preps LaQuisha Jackson Track and Field Award. "All the support from my team and family has pushed me through to this point as well. This sport is what I put my heart into. My teammates and coaches have been the best part of my experience.
"My coaches could see my potential and pushed me in ways I never dreamed of and I am thankful for their belief in me. My senior teammates really helped push me and motivate me. I am so thankful to have accomplished my goals this year and excited for what my next two years will bring."
The Chattanooga-area had 37 track and field athletes in total make the TSWA all-state team, which included 19 boys and 18 girls.
McCallie ran away with the Division II-AA state championship and led the way six all-state selections: Kendrick Reynolds (triple jump, 300-meter hurdles), Kavan Reynolds (triple jump, 400-meter run), Caughran Fowler (decathlon, 400-meter run), Carson Gentle (shot put), Andrew Smith (200-meter dash) and Jack Bowen (3200-meter run).
Other local all-state boys' selections included: Kohl Ward (Tyner), Logan Hargis (South Pittsburg), Jamaree Jenkins (Tyner) and Ashton Biggs (CSAS) in Class 1A; Signal Mountain's Joshua Pote and DiAngelo Cisto in Class 2A; Cleveland's Sawyer Boyd and Owen Clemons in 3A; Mason Bates (Boyd Buchanan) and Liam Runkle in Division II-A; and Chattanooga Christian's Keandre Martin, Zachary Youngblood, John B. Womack and Jackson M. Meredith in Division II-AA.
All-state girls' selections were: Fiona Eastman (CSAS), Joslyn Brookins (Tyner), Danielle Dunning (Brainerd), Kennedi Winbush (CSLA) and Eisa Eilertson in Class 1A; Maddox Mayfield (McMinn Central), McCary Beaty (McMinn Central) and Tatum Croft (Soddy-Daisy) in Class 2A; Kaylen Owen (Silverdale Baptist), Olivia Mroz (Notre Dame), Lesley Burton (Boyd Buchanan) and Abigail Witten (Silverdale Baptist) in Division II-A; and Claire Clark (CCS), Mariah Ivery (GPS), Maelynn Adams-Cook (Baylor), Addi Greene (Baylor) and Gilly Shumate (GPS) in Division II-AA.
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com.