WCHS tracksters heading for state-Hennessee, Dodds reach TSSAA meet

By Dale Stubblefield

Jared Dodds, above, will compete Friday in the TSSAA state championship meet, running in the 1,600 meters. Above left, Taylor Hennessee clears the high jump bar for a third-place finish, qualifying for this week’s state meet in that event.

Two Warren County High School track standouts earned their way to the state finals last week after turning in stellar performances in the region meet at Chattanooga Red BAnk.

Senior Taylor Hennessee finished third in the high jump with a leap of 4 feet, 10 inches. She also finished fifth in the high hurdles, coming in just one spot short of reaching the TSSAA championships in that event, as well.

Jared Dodds, another member of this year’s senior class, also brought home a third-place finish in the 1,600-meter run with a time of 4:44.75.

The duo are the first Warren County track athletes to reach the state meet since high jumper Craig Mitchell qualified in 1999.

WCHS coach Jim Duvall said he has been impressed all season with Hennessee and Dodds’ endurance and willingness to work.

‘Taylor has been a double spring sports participant, having played on the WCHS softball team and has run track,’ he explained. ‘One sport at a time is tough, but (playing) two is really difficult.

‘Jared has worked extra hard to overcome an early season foot injury and also broke a WCHS record in the 1,600-meter run. I’m proud of both of them.’

Both athletes will compete this week in Murfreesboro at Middle Tennessee State University, with Hennessee competing Thursday morning around 10:15 and Dodds running Friday evening.