PATTON WANTING A TASTE OF THE SEC

Harrison track athlete Allyson Patton made her intentions known for the upcoming season. The state champion hurdler will be at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville next season. While wearing Cardinal red, Patton will be involved in the hurdles. “I will run in the 400 Meter Hurdles,” she said. The college hurdle event is 100 yards longer than that of high school. “I feel as if I am prepared to run that event,” she said. “I can not wait to receive coaching from Coach (Lance) Harter to better prepare me to excel in the event.” Patton sees something that she needs to improve in the event. “I need to work on my strength for college track and field,” she said. While in Fayetteville, Patton will major in kinesiology. “I hope to be a physical therapist when I grow up,” she said. Patton graduated third in her senior class this year at Harrison, but track has taught her lessons that she used in the classroom. “I love that track and field make me challenge myself,” she started. “I have learned so much about myself over the past six years of running. Running has taught me what it means to be mentally strong and that you really have to work for the goals you want to achieve.” The speedy senior also runs cross country for the Lady Goblins. Patton has been a steady force on the Harrison track team. She has been named All-State in cross country in 2016 and 2017. She was also All-State in track those same years. She was All-Conference in 2017 in cross country and 2016 and 2017 in track. Having won the Class 5A State Track Hurdles in 2016 and 2017, Patton also claimed the Meet of Champions title this year in the same event. Patton was awarded the Frank Elcan Award for outstanding female athlete at Harrison High School and she was the 2016 and 2017 outstanding Lady Goblin track athlete. Leaving Harrison High School will be bittersweet for Patton. “I will miss all of my friends, teachers and coaches,” she said. But as that chapter in her life ends, the next chapter is an exciting read for her. “Ever since I was little, I have dreamed of going to the University of Arkansas,” she started. “The University of Arkansas has one of the best track teams in the nation.” Patton is the daughter of Ginger Patton and Sammy Patton. She is the little sister of Logan Patton and the big sister to Savannah Patton. As Patton begins her new track career, she has been able to keep things in perspective. “Use the talents God has blessed you with to glorify Him,” she said.

PATTON WANTING A TASTE OF THE SEC

JEFF BRASEL

Harrison Daily | 6/14/2017

PHOTO CREDIT: Harrison Athletics