For the first time, the Warren County Middle School track team had performers compete for the TMSAA state championship.

Five Lady Pioneers were in action in Clarksville Saturday at Austin Peay State University competing against the best athletes in the state. Warren County returned with a fifth- and sixth-place finish, a solid way to end a successful season.

“These young athletes make me super happy,” said coach Patty Kelly. “I’m really proud to be their coach and watch them out on the track doing the things we worked on all season.”

Bailey Bundy finished fifth in the 400-meter race, completing the race in 1:02.25. Bundy missed out on a medal by less than two seconds.

Warren County followed with a sixth-place finish in the 4x400 relay. The Lady Pioneers shattered the school record by four seconds, finishing in 4:27.42. Sable Winfree, Carmen Verdel, Arica Walker and Bundy were the quartet to turn in the school-record time. 

Kaylee Swann joined the team at the event as an alternate in case Bundy wouldn’t be able to pull double duty.

The state tournament came shortly after several members of the WCMS track program earned all-conference recognition.

On the girls side, Bundy, Winfree, Verdel, Walker and Kyra Perkins were all recognized. Julian Martinez, PJ Truax, Treyton Terry and Justus Majors were honored from the Pioneers.

Bundy, Winfree, Verdel and Walker had already become the fastest 4x400 girls team in school history during the season, only to see their time improve again in the state tournament.

Bundy was also recognized for her speed in the 400-meter race, while Verdel was a standout in the 1,600. In field events, Walker and Perkins were the two top long jumpers in the conference.

Martinez showed his speed in two events for the Pioneers, excelling in the 400 and 1,600. Truax was a top performer in both shot put and discus, while Majors ran the 400 and was a high-jump standout.

Terry excelled in three events. He was a team leader in the long jump and ran on both the 4x100 and 4x200 relay teams.