Mavericks’ trio, Clinton’s Butz return to state
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Anderson County’s Waylon LaRue took first place in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.99. LaRue qualified for a repeat trip to the state championship meet in Murfreesboro. - Tony Cox
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Clinton’s Lucas Butz finished third in both the 110-meter and 300-meter hurdles races at the Class AA sectional meet last Saturday. - Tony Cox
Three Anderson County High School athletes will have the opportunity to defend their Class AA state championships at the Spring Fling in Murfreesboro next week.
Vance Laster, Ava Moody and Luke Dark all secured return trips to the Midstate after standout performances at the sectional championships Saturday at the University of Tennessee’s Tom Black Track.
Laster, the 2024 state champion in the 1,600-meter run, finished second in the event with a time of 4 minutes, 25.97 seconds. He also placed second in the 3,200-meter run (9:35.81) to earn a second state berth.
Dark, who won the 2024 shot put state title, will also get a chance to defend his crown. He placed second Saturday with a throw of 58 feet, 6.25 inches.
Moody, the Lady Mavericks’ distance specialist, won both the 1,600 and 3,200 in Knoxville, claiming sectional titles in each event. She will return to defend her two 2024 state championships and may also qualify for the 800 meters as a wild card.
Senior sprinter Waylon LaRue added to Anderson County’s success, winning the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.99 seconds.
In the long jump, Joseph Hall finished fourth (22-0.75) and is seeking a wild card berth to state.
“I’m extremely proud of these kids,” ACHS assistant coach Harrison Calhoun said. “They’ve overcome adversity, not just this year but throughout their careers. You’re talking about juniors and seniors who were tested mentally and physically — and they responded. That’s what we as coaches love to see. It’s not about trophies, it’s about watching these kids rise above challenges and reach their potential.”
Clinton’s Butz heads back to state
Clinton senior hurdler Lucas Butz is also returning to the Spring Fling. He qualified for state in both hurdle events after placing third in the 300-meter hurdles (41.40) and the 110-meter hurdles (15.48) at Saturday’s sectional meet.
Butz was the first Clinton athlete in several years to reach the state track meet when he made it in the 300 hurdles in 2024. He’ll now compete in both events at this year’s championship.
“He’s worked hard, and it’s great to see him make it back,” Clinton Coach Tim Kumes said.
“Our kids had a great year,” he said.
“They competed well, but we just came up a little short at sectionals.”
