For years, the “Early College” experience in Macon County meant a high school experience full of textbooks and college credits, not jerseys and scoreboards. That all changed this year as Macon Early College embarked on a new adventure.
Following a state conference realignment that removed an athletic partnership with Franklin High School (FHS), Macon Early College (MEC) officially launched its own independent sports program. The move marks a historic milestone for the school, providing a new home for student-athletes who were nearly left without a team.
Being the very first sports teams to represent a school is no easy task, and the girls and boys varsity level basketball teams took on the challenge. While they may not have earned a “W” yet, their first season as a team showed incredible grit and determination to improve beyond what the scoreboard showed.
Each game was a David and Goliath scenario, with most of the Macon Early College players never having played on an organized basketball team before. The players were pushed to persevere, even when faced with basketball teams far more experienced than them. In the end, their character as a team and individual student-athletes ended up being the real winners.
The swim team for MEC boasted some amazing times from swimmers who were excited to have their own school to represent. Alyse Remery went to regionals to represent MEC’s first swim team.
Indoor track for MEC sent Isaiah Darby to the 1A state championship. He placed 9th overall. For the spring season, outdoor track is shaping up to have some serious competitors at their meets.
The first ever MEC girls soccer team have proved to be extremely competitive this season and will be in the future. The team is currently undefeated with three wins and three ties. They hope to wrap up their season with more wins, and expect to come back even stronger next year. There are plans to have both junior varsity and varsity level teams.
In the future, MEC Principal Caleb Parham said he would like to see other sports such as boys soccer, golf, tennis, girls volleyball, and cross country make their debut on campus.
The reality is that building a sports program from the ground up is a formidable task, but the MEC Foxes have proved they are up for the challenge. For Parham, it isn’t about shifting the school’s focus away from academics; it’s about giving MEC students the chance to experience the side of high school life that comes with competitive sports, like leadership and teamwork.
Lexy McLennan, a senior at MEC, joined the basketball and soccer teams for her final year in high school. Proving to be an irreplaceable leader on and off the field, she said the experience will last a lifetime.
“Getting to play sports at MEC for my final year means more than I can put into words,” said McLennan. “I’ve played basketball my whole life, and have always dreamed of being on a high school team. I picked soccer back up again this year, so these senior moments of being part of a team really mean so much to me. I am so grateful for one last season.”
Macon Early College sports teams look forward to a bright future ahead.