The David Lipscomb girls’ track team strives to train young ladies in both spiritual and physical disciplines. Learning more about Jesus and how to love him, learning how to love each other, and learning how many individuals can combine their talents to benefit the team are the most important goals.
The program began in the late 1960’s under the leadership of Coach Jackie Ray Davis. In 1966 the team won first place honors for the NIL (Nashville Interscholastic League) track meet and the MTGTA (Middle TN Girls’ Track Assoc.) meet.
Maurice Brunelle took over the program in 1970. Even though girls’ track was not yet a TSSAA sanctioned sport, the program blossomed. When the best schools from across the state pitted efforts at the Manchester Invitational, Lipscomb placed second both in 1971 and 1972. Lipscomb was also well represented when the “state” meet moved to Overton High School in 1973, placing third in an even larger field. Two athletes from that era still hold school records: Janie Seat in the discus, and Patricia Clark in the shot put.
In 1973 Brunelle gained an assistant, a young college graduate by the name of Sharon Tracey. C.T., as she was affectionately known by several generations of Lipscomb athletes, brought the program to a new level with the help of her capable and congenial assistant Janet Smith. Kaye Johnson set a school record in the 100 meter hurdles that stands today. Beth Tallent, one of Tracey’s most accomplished protégés, still owns records in the pentathlon and 800 meter run. Ericka Harris held records in the 100 meter, 200 meter, and 400 meter for over ten years and claims the long jump record to this day. Meghan Mantlo posted one of her school records – for the 3200 meter run – during Coach Tracey’s era.
When C.T. retired from coaching in 1996, Coach David Morris inherited the girls’ program, assisted by Rebecca Lavender. He had worked for years with the boys’ program and coached several state champions in both shot and discus. Coach Mo respected every girl on the team and taught them to respect themselves and each other. Highlights from his era included a second Mantlo record, this time in the 1600 meter run, as well as Elizabeth Smith’s accomplishments: records in the pole vault, 300 meter hurdles, and triple jump. Additionally, Kate Gilpin put her name in the record books twice, once in the high jump and also as a member of the 800 meter relay team.
Lavender and Andrew Stewart picked up the reins in 2004. They saw Ashley Dance sprint to records in the 100 meter, 200 meter, and 400 meter races. Also, the 400 meter relay team of Dance, Sherika Lynch, Kendra White, and Morgan Ingram set a record of 49.56. Perhaps the most exciting moment in recent history was realized in 2005 when the girls’ team claimed runners-up honors at the state meet.
Many chapters of girls’ track at Lipscomb remain to be written. As the current team and generations to come add to the list of accomplishments, it will only be fitting for them – like Sir Isaac Newton – to declare, “If I’ve been able to see farther than others, it’s because I’ve stood on the shoulders of giants.”
*For our weekly home meets, 3200 m - 3:45; field events - 4:00; running events – 5:15.
