Austin Elrod and Tanner Jackson are longtime friends who’ve helped Cullman’s track and field program build and maintain quiet success throughout their accomplished prep careers.

Don’t expect that trend to end anytime soon.

Even after graduation.

The powerful duo may still have one more season left with the Bearcats, but that didn’t stop Elrod and Jackson from taking the next steps in fulfilling their discus and shot put dreams on Wednesday, inking partial scholarships to attend and continue their athletic ventures at Troy University

Neither could hide their excitement at the prospect of becoming Trojans together.

“It’s the greatest thing ever,” Elrod said. “It’s like living a dream come true. I went to Troy and thought it was the most beautiful place I had ever seen. When they told me Tanner was going as well, my face lit up. It’s awesome to know I’m going to have a friend and teammate down there with me.”

Jackson echoed those sentiments.

“It’s great, man,” he said. “I’ve been wanted to do this in college for three years. I’ve been searching for a place. Troy is it. It’s the best college for me. Austin and I hold each other accountable. It’s a lot easier to go through something like this with someone you call a friend.”

Both Black and Gold stars have done yeoman’s work for the program.

Elrod earned All-State honors twice (2015-16) and also qualified for the Junior National Olympics two times (2014-15). He holds the school record in the discus with a distance of 163-4 and has only worked harder to improve on his shot put performances heading into the spring.

Jackson, on the other hand, qualified for state in 2016, where he finished eighth in Class 6A. His PR in discus (135-3) and shot put (46-8) are also on the rise thanks to some extra time put in during the offseason.

“We have a friendly competition,” Elrod said. “It definitely makes me try a lot harder. I love working with him. I like to see him do well in meets, but I’d also like to beat him, too. The biggest focus for me is my shot put. I need to get that higher.”

Added Jackson: “I think it helps that we push each other. For me, I need to work on my technique and my strength before I go to Troy.”

For coach Kristin Barnett, having two dedicated athletes committed to perfecting their craft only makes their successes even better.

At least she has them for one more go-round.

“It’s huge for them and our program,” Barnett said. “I have to give props to our throws coach Larry Johnson. He works with them day in and day out. They are both phenomenal at what they do. There are going to a great program at Troy. We’re excited for them.”