Northeast's Calandra Henry is 2018 Leaf-Chronicle All Area girls track athlete of the year

Northeast High's Calandra Henry walked away from Mufreesboro content that she made the kind of noise needed for a run at state championships next year.

The Lady Eagles junior took third place in the Class AAA girls 100- and 200-meter races at Spring Fling. It was markedly better than last year's 14th and 13th places, respectively.

And after dominating the Montgomery County track scene this season, that included wins at the Montgomery County Championships in the 100, 200 and part of the 4x100.  She also took first in the sub-sectionial in those events.

And now Henry has been named The Leaf-Chronicle All Area girls track athlete of the year.

"The season went far better than I could have hoped for," Henry said. "I pushed myself to the limits this year. I pushed myself more than I ever have and got the results I wanted. But I'm not satisfied."

Henry is already training for another run next spring when she expects to be among the top athletes in Murfreesboro vying for state titles in the spring races. She was a part of the 4x100-meter relay team that took the state championship last month.

"I think I was just more comfortable in my surroundings this year," Henry said. "Last year I had Teauna (Anderson), who was our leader on the team and I kind of followed her lead. But this year I had to lead some. I don't think I could have done that last year."

Northeast, winners of state championships in 2013 and '14, finished eighth overall in team points at state this season. Henry is looking to put the Lady Eagles back in that state title conversation next year.

"I think we'll have the team to do it," she said. "It's within reach. We'll all be a year older and a year more experienced and I'm looking to run an 11-flat in the 100 and try to get my 200-meter time down in the 23s."

GIRLS TRACK COACH OF THE YEAR

Christina Webb

Northeast

Why chosen: Already with two Class AAA state championships (2013, '14), Webb guided Northeast back to state, and the Lady Eagles finished in eighth place. Her team dominated the Montgomery County Championships, taking first place, and the Lady Eagles also finished as sub-sectional champs. They took second overall in the sectional meet.

Reach Prep writer George Robinson at georgerobinson@theleafchronicle.com or (931) 245-0747 and on Twitter @Cville_Sports.