NUNNELLY SIGNS WITH BRYAN — Walker Valley track and field standout Trent Nunnelly, seated second from left, has signed with Bryan College in Dayton. Nunnelly holds seven individual school records for the Mustangs. Seated with the new Bryan signee is his dad, Jeff, left; mother Deanna, second from right; and his brother Drew, right, who is also a member of the Bryan track team. Standing at the rear are, from left, Walker Valley Principal Danny Coggin, Athletic Director Mike Turner, Bryan Track Coach Rodney Stoker, grandfather Tommy Collins, grandparents Catherine and Walter Nunnelly, Walker Valley Track Coach Jasen Parks and assistant coaches Alan Bivens and Kevin Raper. Banner photo, LARRY C. BOWERS
Trent Nunnelly, one of Walker Valley High School’s all-time best track and field athletes, has decided to continue his education and track competition at Bryan College in Dayton.
Bryan College track coach Rodney Stoker was at Walker Valley earlier this week to sign the multitalented athlete to the scholarship.
Nunnelly’s brother Drew, who has two years left at Bryan after taking a red-shirt year in 2009, was also in attendance along with parents, grandparents and Walker Valley coaches and administrators.
Nunnelly had considered UTC, ETSU and Millsaps before taking the offer with the Lions.
At the signing were Nunnelly’s parents, Jeff and Deanna, and grandparents Walter and Catherine Nunnelly and Tommy Collins. A younger brother, Bryce, is a sixth-grade athlete at Ocoee Middle School, but was not able to able the ceremony.
“We’ve had several conversations,” Coach Stoker said of his newest signee. “I told him he had to do what was best for him (in the recruiting process). “He’s a great athlete and he and his brother are great kids.”
Coach Stoker said the two will be working on the decathlon (because of their multiple talents).
“I’m looking forward to working with Trent as he works to become better,” Stoker continued.
The Lions’ coach emphasized that the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC), of which Bryan is a member, has no decathlon competition. Therefore, he said Trent, and his brother, can compete in a number of competitive events.
This should fare well with the college’s new track member, since he currently holds seven school records for the Walker Valley track and field team. These records include the decathlon, 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, pole vault, 200 meters, 400 meters, 800 meters and 1,500 meters.
Walker Valley Coach Jasen Parks said Nunnelly has also competed on the school’s All-State relay teams.
“I’m super excited for Trent,” added Parks. “He is truly a gifted athlete and has not had a bad year at Walker Valley.”
Nunnelly plans to work toward a physical education degree at Bryan. Orientation at the college is scheduled Aug. 21, with classes to begin Aug. 25.
