By Mike Blackerby
MURFREESBORO — One last time, Rebecca Story ran in near-solitude at Middle Tennessee State’s Dean A. Hayes stadium on her way to overwhelming the competition at the state track and field championships.
The Christian Academy senior closed out her much-decorated high school career by winning three individual events and running on a championship relay team for the Lady Warriors Friday at the Division II-A state meet.
She finished her high school career with 12 state track and field championships.
Former Ensworth star Tyra Gittens, who now runs for Texas A&M, is the state record holder with 17 state titles.
A Stanford signee, Story was never challenged in any of her three individual races as she won the 800 (2:19.64), 1600 (5:03.93) and 3200 (11:00.07).
Niki Narayani of Webb was second to Story in all three distance races.
Story also ran anchor for CAK’s 4×400 relay team that won gold in 4:07.06.
Tony Cosey, who has coached Story since she was in the sixth grade, has witnessed her transformation over the last five years.
“I remember her running at the state meet as an eighth grader,” said Cosey.
“She was unsure and anxious. Fast forward to Friday and we saw a confident, mature runner. The last couple of races she joked with me and said ‘I need to make myself feel nervous.’”
Cosey said Story is the benchmark for girls track in the history of the sport in Tennessee.
“She has done such a phenomenal job,” he said.
“After her eighth-grade year something just sparked in her. There was a complete and unwavering trust to the process.”
Cosey said it’s going to be tough leaving his role as Story’s coach when she departs for Stanford in September.
“It’s bittersweet. I certainly love her like a daughter and have enjoyed working with her, but at the same time I’m excited about what she’s going to do at the next level,” continued Cosey.
“Her time here is done. She’s ready to move on.”
Story wasn’t the only local athlete to have a big day on Friday.
Webb sophomore sprinter Jasmine Jefferson keyed the Lady Spartans’ second-place showing in the team race.
Webb totaled 125 points to place second behind Hardin Academy (153). CAK was third with 83 points.
Jefferson won the 400 (59.36) and was second in both the 100 (12.22) and 200 (25.80). Webb also won the 4×100 (49.75) and 4×800 (9:59.11) relays.
CAK’s girls brought home a state championship in the 4×400 relay in 4:07.06.
On the boys side, Harding Academy was first with 146 points. CAK (60) was fourth, Grace Christian seventh (43) and Webb (36) ninth.
Grace Christian’s Jackson Bostick won the 300 hurdles in 39.93.
Webb’s relay team won gold in the 4×200 (1:31.16).