Colvin making run for more: Lady Rebel senior not done improving, setting milestones

By Alan Yarbrough
of The Daily Times Staff

When it comes to Ally Colvin, Maryville track coach Tim Carnes doesn't mince words.

"She will definitely be the most decorated female distance runner in MHS history by the end of this season," he said.

With school records in four events, it's easy to see why Carnes holds the senior in such high regard.

But despite qualifying individually for the state track meet twice and the state cross-country meet three times, Colvin is still drastically improving. Of the four school records she holds, three -- the 3,200 meter, the 1,600m and the 4x400m -- were set this year. Only the 4x800m mark wasn't established this season.

She also has a good chance of adding more accolades. Even though she's battled through the death of her grandmother and injuries to her hamstring and upper thigh this spring, the 800m standard will likely succumb to her. Moreover, her personal record of 5:13.5 in the 1,600m set during the Volunteer Track Classic in April would have been good enough for a seventh-place finish in the state a year ago.

"This has by far been her best outdoor track season of her career, for sure," Carnes said. "Like last year, her (personal record) in the 1,600 was 5:37. Her progression this year has kind of exploded, and she's gotten a lot of confidence.

"She's just put in so many hours of work. She's run 35 to 45 miles a week for virtually a year."

The dedication to the sport was clearly noted by two schools. The University of Tennessee offered her an opportunity to walk on next year, and Tennessee-Chattanooga, which extended a scholarship during the cross-country season, is also in the picture.

Though she hasn't decided what school to attend, Colvin wants to use the rest of this year as a springboard to further success.

"I expect to get better and have a new field to run with and new experiences," said Colvin, who will run in the Section I-AAA championships today at Science Hill High School. "But more so, just meeting new people and enjoying what God-given talent I have."

Which has allowed Colvin to be called Maryville's best distance runner.

Not only for this year, but in the school's history.