Senior hopeful for great track season

Terren Blanchard is racing down the track this season with success and hopeful dreams for the future.

Blanchard is trying to beat his record and land in the top five in the state for the events 100-meter and 4×100-meter relay. His current season record is 11.7 seconds for the 100-meter and 42.28 seconds in the team relay.

In order to get a top spot, Blanchard will need to get a time of 10.87 seconds in the 100-meter and 42.76 in 4×100-meter relay according to the AIA State Qualifying Standards.

Blanchard has been running in track since he was in 7th grade and had a natural talent for the sport.

“I was fast and it was fun to run with friends,” Blanchard explained his interest in track. He recognized his talent and made the choice on his own to participate in track.

“It was my choice to run and my parents supported me.” Blanchard said.  Blanchard had success in junior high and then continued on to high school.

He is continuing his track career into the future.

“I would like to run at MCC,” Blanchard continued, “I will be a walk-on.” Blanchard will
go to Mesa Community College track tryouts to make it on to the team.

Coach Louis Nightingale thinks Blanchard will be a state champion. “[I have] known
him for 3+ years and [he is a] hard worker.” he said.

Blanchard is a receiver for Perry football but he favors track better for his talent
and as a passion.

Blanchard is a valuable member to the track team. His talent will give the Pumas a great
season.

The track team has meets on Mar. 8 at the Aztec invitational and Mar. 21 at the Chandler Rotary.