Union City sophomore Ca’Lae Ervin matched Tammy Critchfield’s 40-year-old school feat by placing fourth among a talented field at Middle Tennessee State University Wednesday in the Class 1A Pentathlon.
Critchfield posted a similar finish in 1984.
School Communications Director Mike Hutchens said Ervin was seeded fifth entering this year’s competition, and bettered that prediction by one position – piling up 2,439 points in five events, including a personal-best time (2:41.87) in the 800-meter run that ended the competition. She was just two points from finishing third overall.
Ervin placed second in the shot put (30’11.25”) and matched her career best by jumping 4’8” in the high jump, which was also good for a second-place tie. She was sixth in the 100-meter hurdles and ninth in the long jump.
The performance of the multi-talented 10th grader came as no shock to UC head coach Wade Maddox.
“Having been involved in gymnastics and as a cheerleader, she’s used to performing in front of crowds with people looking at her,” Maddox said. “She actually thrives in those situations, I believe. I don’t think there is a stage that’s too big for her.
“Today was really a testament to how naturally gifted she is. She puts a lot of work and effort into it, too. She wants to be good and knows she can get better. I have no doubt she’ll work extremely hard to get back here and do even better.”
(photos: Mike Hutchens – School Communications Director)
