Track and Field Announces Seven New Field Athletes
Carson-Newman Director of Track and Field and Cross Country David Needs announced the addition of seven field athletes to the roster on Tuesday.
VIDEO: David Needs Interview
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman Director of Track and Field and Cross Country David Needs announced the addition of seven field athletes to the roster on Tuesday.
"What I like about this group is that they're a hard working group" says Needs. "We feel like we have a nice group of additions to what we already have. We weren't necessarily looking to regroup but we were looking to fill in some spots and we think we did that very well."
Darcie Bagent – Del Rio, Tenn. - Gatlinburg-Pittman - Throws - 5-9 - @darcie_bagent
HIGH SCHOOL: Bagent was All-State for shot put in 2019 and placed fifth at the THSSA Track and Field Championships. Bagent also played basketball for the Highlanders, winning multiple District championships and appearing in two THSSA State Championship games.
PERSONAL: Daughter of Kimberly Bagent. Plans to be a nursing major.
Matthew Campbell – Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Wilson Central – Throws – 5-10
HIGH SCHOOL: Campbell placed sixth in the 2020 indoor state championships in the hammer throw at Wilson Central High School. Also competed with the Trojans wrestling team. Has competed in karate.
PERSONAL: Son of Bart Campbell. Intends to major in Physics. Graduated high school with a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the National Honors Society. Will also participate in the Army ROTC at Carson-Newman.
Sam Cleek – Kingsport, Tenn. – Dobyns Bennett – Jumps – 6-0 - @samuelcleek
HIGH SCHOOL: Cleek was an All-State competitor in track and field at Dobyns Bennett high school and won the indoor state championship in the high jump
PERSONAL: Son of Stacey Cleek, who played volleyball at East Tennessee State University. Was on the honor roll and member of the Beta Club at Dobyns Bennett. Intends to major in Exercise Science
Camden Fritz – Jefferson City, Tenn. – Jefferson County – Jumps – 6-1 - @camdenfritz
HIGH SCHOOL: Fritz was a member of the Jefferson County Patriots basketball, baseball, golf and track and field teams.
PERSONAL: Son of Eric Fritz. Was a member of the National Junior Honor Society. Intends to major in Biology.
Luke Smith – Powell, Tenn. – Grace Christian Academy - Roane State Community College – Throws – 6-4 - @Smithluke8080
PRIOR TO CARSON-NEWMAN: Attended Roane State Community College.
HIGH SCHOOL: Smith was a four sport athlete at Grace Christian Academy, participating for the Rams basketball, baseball, football and track and field squads. He won a conference championship with the football and basketball teams, two conference championships with baseball and was a member of the 2015 state championship baseball team.
PERSONAL: Son of Jim and Melanie Smith. Intends to major in Exercise Science.
Morgan Stanton – Coral Springs, Fla. – Homeschool – High Jump – 5-4
HIGH SCHOOL: Stanton was All-County first team with competing with the South Florida Heat her junior season. She finished second place at the state competition her junior year and holds the Heat record for the high jump.
PERSONAL: Daughter of Denise and Brian Stanton. Father played tennis at Florida State University. Intends to major in Exercise Science.
Josh Whitaker – Knoxville, Tenn. – Christian Academy of Knoxville – Pole Vault
HIGH SCHOOL: Competed in cross country, soccer, and track and field at the Christian Academy of Knoxville.
PERSONAL: Son of Andy and Marianne Whitaker. Intends to major in Graphic Design.
The track athlete newcomers will be announced tomorrow, Wednesday, September 30.
