Jaden Stevenson and Greeneville won the 2022 Class AA boys state track & field meet Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at MTSU in Murfreesboro. (Photo by Charles Mays Media)
BY MIKE BLACKERBY
Jaden Stevenson not only led Greeneville to the state Class AA track and field championship last spring, he staked his claim as the fastest overall sprinter in Tennessee.
He’s definitely in the mix – if not at the top of the list.
Stevenson, the 5Star Preps Male Track and Field Athlete of the Year for 2022, opened the state meet with a narrow win over teammate Mason Gudger in the 100.
Stevenson finished in 10.69 seconds to nip Gudger (10.71) at the wire.
The senior then turned in a dominating performance in the 400, running 48.58 to post a 62-second win.
Stevenson wrapped up his night on the MTSU track by coasting to victory in the 200 in 21.54.
And by the way, Stevenson began his day by going 22 feet, 2 inches to claim second in the long jump.
Not a bad day’s work as Stevenson helped the Greene Devils score 68 points to nip Munford (65) for the championship.
Jaden Stevenson (right) edges out Greeneville teammate Mason Gudger in the 2022 Class AA boys 100-meter dash by .02. Stevenson won with a time of 10.69 seconds. (Photo by Charles Mays Media)
It was the first state track and field title for the Greeneville boys since 2014.
“Jaden had a fantastic season,” said longtime Greene Devils coach Larry Blalock.
“A lot of it is genetics and a lot of it is a good work ethic.”
Stevenson, who will run in college at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, leaves Greeneville with multiple school records.
He holds the school standards in the 100 (10.52), 200 (21.18) and 400 (48.58).
As a junior, he was also on the 4×100 relay team that set a school record in 2021.
But records aside, Stevenson said his fondest memories he takes with him are about his teammates.
“Really and truly, it’s just about the guys I was with,” said the 6-foot-2, 175-pound Stevenson.
“All the guys played a big factor in my life. Those are my guys and I was blessed to have them around me.”
Stevenson said Gudger, the Greeneville football star who is known for his fantastic starts, made him a much better track and field performer.
In fact, Stevenson said Gudger pushed him to the limit.
“Me and Gudger have been going at it since middle school,” said Stevenson.
“It can get very heated at practice sometimes. He (Gudger) always gets me at the start and at 50 or 60 meters he’s in front of me, but after that it’s over,” said Stevenson with a laugh.
Blalock said there’s no doubt that Gudger helped take Stevenson to another level this year.
“Gudger was tremendously helpful to him,” said Blalock.
“Having someone like that as a teammate has got to push you. Jaden knew he couldn’t let up.”
Moving forward to college, Blalock said that Stevenson has unlimited potential in the sprints.
The 200 is Stevenson’s best event right now, but watch out for the 400.
Stevenson really didn’t start running the event in earnest until his junior season.
“The 400 may end up being his best race as he gets older and stronger,” said Blalock.
Stevenson agreed.
“I love the 200 and it’s my favorite event, but in the 400 is where I think I’m going to make some noise,” said Stevenson.
“When Jaden gets over there (in college) he’ll be able to work on the sprints the year round,” said Blalock.
“He’s going to get stronger and get mentally tougher. I think it’s fair to say the best is yet to come for Jaden.”