The Fannin County High School (FCHS) track and field team held their end-of-season banquet Tuesday, May 25, at Horseshoe Bend Park in McCaysville.
The junior varsity team was recognized first for all their hard work this season, followed by varsity.
All varsity athletes received a letter and a certificate for their participation this year.
Thomas Mercer was recognized and was awarded a plaque for finishing runner-up in the AA 300 Meter Hurdles with a time of 39:84.
Mercer spoke a few words after receiving his award saying, ”Not everyone knows my journey. My freshman year I was ranked 11th in the state for 300 Meter Hurdles, and going into my sophomore year, I tore my medial meniscus and going into my junior year, I tore my front meniscus, so I went from back-to-back surgeries in the same year, but not one moment did I ever think I was not going to get through it. I am so blessed to know that I am second in state, but it kills me to know that I am not first in state. I enjoyed every minute of being out on the track with you guys, and I hope that when you all go back into whatever sport or whatever you are passionate about, that you remember that you can lose it like that so enjoy every second of it.”
The girls 4x800 Meter Relay team that consists of Carlee Holloway, Katie Thurman, Macy Hawkins and Monico Cosentino with Alayna Dockery as an alternate were able to qualify for state, but were unable to perform.
Matthew Crowder advanced to state as well for the Discus, but did not get to compete due to an emergency situation.
The track and field team had three seniors this season, James Mercer, Thomas Mercer and Andre Bivens. The seniors received a shirt and were recognized for all their accomplishments.
The future of the Fannin track and field team is bright as so many underclassmen preformed well this season.