With dedication, determination and true grit, the Eufaula Ironheads track team
continues to prove that when there’s a will there’s a way to succeed. Without
conveniences of an outdoor track to train, Eufaula’s sprinters have created
bragging rights in the 4x100m and 4x200m relays with juniors Maddox Bridges
and Dresden Chiles teaming with sophomores Ledger Folsom and Peter Lee to
reach the medal stand in both events.

“We’re a young squad made up of some kids who refuse to lose. Sophomore Ty
Sparks and freshman Zayvion Price have given us some depth in the relays.
Heading into the regionals, we’ve placed no lower than fourth place in both
events,” said coach Larry Newton. “It’s pretty impressive when you realize they’re
mastering exchanges and developing speed while running on the parking lot or
grass surfaces and still reaching the finish line with really good splits and team
times.”

Folsom, the Ironheads quarterback in football, has the team’s best time 11.42 in
the 100m dash while Bridges, a wide receiver has clocked the best time in the
200m in 23.45 just in front of Lee, a two-year starter at running back, has crossed
the finish line in 24.12.
Many of the same challenges exist for the Ironheads throwers to polish
technique, speed and strength in the field events.
Eufaula senior Jason Hill and sophomore Simeon Hill only returned to
competition the week before the first meet coming off knee injuries sustained
during the Ironheads football season. Both have placed in several meets and are
eager to join their speedy teammates trying to qualify for the state meet.
“We don’t have a shot or disc rink so our guys throw the disc from our concession
stand area and we have a pad that the shot put throws where the ambulance
parks during our football games,” said Newton.

Eufaula has high expectations for qualifying it’s athletes to compete in the
OSSAA state track and field championships on May 3-4 at Catoosa.
It would be easy to make excuses; but that’s not the Eufaula way.
“Altogether, the efforts of these young people prove there’s no mountain tall
enough to deny an Ironhead.”