BY MIKE BLACKERBY
Redemption was the motivation, and Webb’s Colin Eckerman used that theme for a record-setting season on his way to earning accolades as the 5Star Preps 2024 Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year.
In the process, the Furman-bound Eckerman cemented his legacy as one of the top runners in Tennessee prep history.
Eckerman, who missed the entire 2023 outdoor season due to injuries, broke two state records in his senior farewell tour.
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That pushed his career tally to three state records after he ran the fastest time ever (14:51.54) at last year’s TSSAA state cross country championships.
Last spring in Murfreesboro, Eckerman ran 4:04.44 in the 1600 at the state Division II-AA meet to erase the previously held time of 4:05.34 set by Oakland’s Brock Baker in 2013.
Eckerman also took home the state championship in the 3200, winning by more than 10 seconds in 9:12.93.
Eckerman set another state standard in the 3200 at the mid-June Brooks PR in Seattle.
Running against 10 of the elite distance runners in the nation, Eckerman finished seventh in 8:45.27 to eclipse the previous Tennessee state mark of 8:46.47 set by legendary Brentwood Academy runner Andrew Bumbalough in 2004.
After watching the 2003 outdoor season from the sidelines, Eckerman said he left nothing to chance this spring.
“That (2003) left me really motivated,” said Eckerman.
“Obviously, last season I didn’t even get to make state. When state came this year I was ready to attack.”
Eckerman ran the best final leg of his life in winning the four-lap 1600 and setting a state meet record.
“I closed in just over 59 seconds and I was really happy with that,” he said.
“That’s the first time I’ve ever closed a (1600) race in less than 60 seconds. That’s the best closing lap I’ve ever run.”
At the Brooks PR, Eckerman was able to put his stamp on another state record.
“It was my last high school race and I was trying to leave everything on that track,” said Eckerman.
“My goal was to break the state record.”
Spartans coach Jerome Romain said Eckerman posted one of the top seasons in Tennessee schoolboy track and field history.
“It’s a testament of what Colin has done, with his work ethic and attitude toward everything he does,” said Romain.
“A big part of it is what type of kid he is.”
Romain said Eckerman’s record-setting senior year pushed him into elite company with all-time distance greats like Bumbalough, Baker and Brodey Hasty of Brentwood in Tennessee prep history.
“What he has done has been amazing,” said Romain.
“He has definitely etched his name in the history books. When you talk about the best cross country and track and field athletes in state history he is definitely in the conversation. It has been amazing to watch his growth.”
While most athletes are never satisfied, Eckerman said he has no regrets about his remarkable senior season.
“I always love to say it’s never enough, but I’m really happy with what I’ve done in my high school career,” said Eckerman.
“I’m really satisfied that I was able to meet my goals.”