Three more Harlan County High School track athletes signed to continue on the next level in ceremonies Wednesday at the school, giving the track/cross country program at HCHS a total of 54 team members to sign college scholarships. Addy Caldwell and Maddie Middleton each signed with the University of Pikeville while Suzy Mumford signed with Alice Lloyd College.
“I’m very proud of these three young women and the opportunity they’ve earned for themselves. As a coach, it’s super gratifying to see kids succeed and achieve their goals, and I have zero doubt that these three young ladies will flourish at the next level,” Harlan County coach Ryan Vitatoe said. “They have chosen two excellent institutions to continue their career with. UPIKE is a rising program, and they have done a great job of building around elite mountain athletes. Alice Lloyd has a long history of recruiting Harlan County kids, and I’m excited to reestablish that pipeline with their new coaches.”
Suzy Mumford is a standout in both cross and track, participating on five regional championship teams including a state runner-up team in cross country.
“Suzy has been a huge contributor to the track and cross-country programs, and I’m so excited and proud for her to have the opportunity to compete at the next level. She has improved so much throughout her time in our programs due to her work ethic, and she’s been a total team player throughout her career,” Harlan County coach Ryan Vitatoe said. “She stepped in to be a pole vaulter this spring when we needed someone, and that speaks to the kind of kid she is. Alice Lloyd has gone through a coaching change recently, and I believe they’ve made a great decision to bring in a kid like Suzy to begin rebuilding their program. She will do great at the next level. I’m very proud of her, and I can’t wait to see how she continues to grow.”
Mumford is looking forward to competing in both sports on the next level.
“I liked the environment there, and the coaches reminded me of my current coaches,” Mumford said. “I think it will be a really good place for me. Everything we’ve done here has been incredible, and I’m looking forward to competing at the next level.
“Suzy has been a valuable asset to the track and field family. She will do anything to help her team. She started pole vault late in the season and has excelled. It has been a joy to watch her grow throughout her time in the program,” added assistant coach Abby Vitatoe.
Middleton is the school record holder in the triple jump and high jump and has qualified for four state meets and been a member of two regional championship squads.
“Maddi has been a huge part of our program for the last five years. She is undoubtedly one of the best jumpers in our school’s history, and at one point held every school record in the jumping events,” coach Ryan Vitatoe said. “Her work ethic has been incredible, and it has led to her success as a state-qualifying jumper each year she’s competed. She has all the skills necessary to excel at the next level, and I have no doubt that she has only scratched the surface of her potential. I’m very proud of her, and I look for big things from her at UPIKE. They are getting a gem.”
Middleton visited the University of Pikeville and was immediately impressed.
“It’s a little school and in a great location. They are all family there,” Middleton said. “I wish I could have done more here, but I’m glad I have the record and was able to help the team.”
“Maddi is a very determined and intelligent athlete. She is able to study and critique the little things in her jumps to allow her to succeed in her craft,” said assistant coach Britt Lawson.
Caldwell competes in the shot put and discus and has qualified for the state meet and was a member of two regional championship teams.
“Addy has steadily improved throughout her time in our program, and it’s been very gratifying to watch. Her work ethic has established her as one of the region’s best, and she’s coming off a very successful season last year after qualifying for state. It’s clear that UPIKE has a very solid program, and I’m excited to see her continue to grow at the next level,” Ryan Vitatoe said. “She’s been a big part of our successes the last two seasons in winning back-to-back region titles, and I’m excited to see how she closes out her career here. I also believe she’s only begun to realize her potential. I think she will be great at the next level, and I can’t wait to see how her collegiate career unfolds.”
Caldwell was also impressed by the Pikeville campus and facilities.
“It just felt like the right place for me,” Caldwell said. “I feel good about what we’ve accomplished in high school. I feel the coaches have helped me become a better person and athlete.”
“Addy is an incredibly talented athlete with an incredibly promising future,” added assistant coach Jacob Carroll. “The University of Pikeville is receiving an individual with the potential to improve their program for the better.”
