Freshman Brindley Duncan etched her name into the Tullahoma High School history books when she tied a nearly 50-year-old school record in the 800-meter run late last month.
Until April 25, Phyllis Hines held sole possession of the Tullahoma record in the 800, at 2 minutes and 15.9 seconds, a mark she set in 1977. Hines now has company as Duncan tied that time when she competed at the Great Eight Invitational at Franklin Road Academy, finishing second to Nolensville’s Claire Stegall, who won the race at 2:05.51. The Great Eight Invitational hosts the best high school track and field athletes in Middle Tennessee, allowing them to go head-to-head in competition. There is only one heat for each event, and only the best eight performances are accepted into this elite meet.
“I can’t believe that happened, and I’m still trying to figure out where my performance came from,” said a shocked Duncan after finishing the race. “To tie a school record is amazing and something special. I’ve got three years left in my high school career, and hopefully, I can set the new school record in the 800.”
Making history isn’t uncommon for Duncan, as she currently holds the state’s top two middle school times in the 800. She set the new mark at the 2023 TMSAA State Championships, where she ran the event in 2:24.31, breaking her 2022 record of 2:26.67.
“It’s rare to find someone with phenomenal talent, work ethic, and determination, especially at a young age like Brindley,” said THS Girls Track & Field Head Coach Chris Clemens. “The Great Eight was a perfect stage and springboard for Brindley to show what she’s capable of against arguably the best talent in the state across all divisions, and Brindley made the most of her opportunity.”
The Tullahoma High School track and field teams were scheduled to compete at the Class AA Middle Sectional on Thursday and Friday. As of press time, the results from that event were unavailable.
