PREP RUNNING: Cold Springs’ Stanley signs with Mars Hill University

Published 8:00 am Saturday, April 15, 2017

COLD SPRINGS — Jared Stanley had dreams just like any other kid growing up in a small town.

His, though, were a bit more goal-oriented than the average youngster.

The Cold Springs senior didn’t want to be an astronaut, nor did he want to be a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher, a chef or even a journalist.

Stanley’s aspirations, which took root in his mind at an early age, could be summed in just five words — I want to be a runner.

Mission accomplished.

Earlier this week, Stanley — surrounded by family, friends, teammates, coaches and administrators — signed a scholarship to attend and compete at Mars Hills University in North Carolina, where he’ll continue his journey as a stupendous cross country and track star for the Division II program.

He hopes to cross many more finish lines in the future.

“I’m really excited about it,” Stanley said. “It’s my dream. Ever since I started running, I got to a point where I realized I could go to the next level. I worked hard at it to make it come true. Today’s the day it all happened. Growing up, I was like ‘I am going to join the track team.’ Cold Springs has been like a family to me.”

The decision to join the Lions in the fall could have a lot to do with the similarities between their great program and the Blue and Gold.

Both made Stanley feel at home, and both have a history of unmatched success — the Eagles have won three state titles and a bevy of county championships in Stanley’s tenure, while Mars Hill has netted numerous conference crowns in both cross country and track and field competition.

“I went on a couple of visits to some other places, but they didn’t really speak to me,” Stanley said. “Then I went to Mars Hill, and it just felt like it was where I belonged. They took me in like family, and I had a really good time there. I’ll run cross country for them in the fall, then I hope to run the 800-meter and some team relays during track season. But you never know where they might put you.”

Stanley has helped Cold Springs accomplish many wonders — see above — and will end his prep career having nabbed back-to-back individual titles at the Cullman County cross country meet. Couple that with three state championship rings, with the huge possibility of fourth right around the corner, and it’s safe to Stanley has been one of the more exceptional athletes to suit up for the Eagles.

Oh, he also set the school record in the 800-meter run at the week’s Corner Invitational.

With those accolades, it’s no wonder first-year track and field coach Blaise Carie sees Stanley shining for years to come.

“The biggest thing for me is that Jared has been a leader,” he said. “He’s pulled teams aside and pumped them up. He’s the one who gets them serious for race day. I think that’s going to carry over well to the next well. And he enjoys running, too. I told him as long as he loves it, he can continue to improve. I think he’ll do just that.”