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Spring Fling notebook: Sanders multi-tasks at track

Father Ryan’s Bryce Vickers anchored the 800-meter relay team, which set a school record in 1:29.61 and won the DII title.

Father Ryan’s Bryce Vickers anchored the 800-meter relay team, which set a school record in 1:29.61 and won the DII title.

Former Tennessee Titan Chris Sanders was a busy man on Friday.

Not only was Sanders responsible for providing color commentary for the NFHS Network’s broadcast of the boys track and field championships, but he also managed to fulfill his assistant coaching duties for Montgomery Bell Academy.

“It makes it more fun,” Sanders said. “I get a chance to help my kids on the track, and at the same time a chance to work my broadcasting skills. It’s exciting to do, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Hold on tight: Father Ryan’s Bryce Vickers learned a valuable relay lesson at last month’s city championships, and it was still fresh on his mind Friday.

Vickers, who was disqualified for prematurely dropping the baton while celebrating the Irish’s 800-meter relay win at the Hill Center Championships in late April, wasn’t going to make the same mistake.

“I didn’t let go,” said Vickers, who anchored Father Ryan’s 800-meter relay team, which set a school record with a time of 1:29.61. “We were aiming for a school record and a state championship, and we got them both. This is a great moment.”

Bright futures: The future looks good for DII-A softball title contenders Friendship Christian and King’s Academy, thanks to young rosters on both sides.

Both teams have a heavy youthful presence on the bench and in the field. King’s Academy has four eighth-graders — more than the number of seniors. Friendship has three eighth-graders and six sophomores who see significant playing time.

Plenty to go around: The city of Brentwood has been a hotbed for tennis talent in the past. This season may be as good as any.

Ravenwood junior Steven Karl won his second straight state title in Class AAA with a win over Science Hill junior Andrew Morton, and Brentwood High freshman Somer Henry captured the same title on the girls side with a victory over Dobyns Bennett’s Josie Rogers.

Brentwoo Academy senior Mackenzie Phillips was also in Friday’s action, but was forced to settle for Division II-AA runner-up after a loss to Baylor’s Drew Hawkins.

Neelly wins on a curve: Gallatin senior Brett Neelly’s state-winning throw in the discus had to do some drifting to be a legal throw.

Neelly’s throw started outside the boundary before curling back inside the line just before it hit the ground 183 feet, 11 inches later — giving the left-hander his third consecutive title in the event.

“It just kind of happens when you’re left-handed,” Brett Neelly said. “Sometimes they just kind of curl in.”

Neelly — who will compete at Kansas State next year — beat his brother, junior Adam Neelly, by 17 feet, six inches to win the Class AAA title.

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