Alabama High School MVPs Ink With MSU Track
Running for Clay County High School, Smith has won nine individual Alabama 2A titles in cross country and track. He holds the 2A record in both the 1600m (4:19) and 3200m (9:19). Smith listed his best time in the 800m at 1:59, while his top timed 5k cross country time is 15:10.55. He was named the Most Valuable Performer for 2A indoor track this year.
Nolan clocked the fastest times in Alabama in both the 110m and 300m hurdles, according to Alabamarunners.com. Nolan's time in the 300-meter hurdles is 37.77, while his fastest 110m hurdles is listed at 14.29. Nolan also ran the 400-meter dash toward the end of the season, clocking a time of 48.4. The Alabama 5A MVP indoors this season also long jumped 21-10 during the year.
"These are two of the top athletes out of Alabama," commented head coach Al Schmidt. "We're really fortunate and pleased to have signed them. They will help keep our program nationally ranked."
Smith is a member of the Beta Club and part of the student government association at CCHS. He has scored a 27 on the ACT.
The Wildcats' team MVP for the past three seasons, Nolan is also a six-time 5A state champion. Academically, he ranks in the top 10 percent of his class and is a seven-time Gold Card (straight A's) recipient from SHS. Nolan is nominated for the Bryant-Jordan Award, given to Alabama's top scholar-athletes.
Brandon Smith is the son of Bob and Linda Smith. Daniel Nolan is the son of Dan and Becky Nolan.