By Michael Lindsay
Tennessee Tech University didn’t have to look far for their next track and field signee as Clarkrange senior Mattie Bush signed with the program Friday afternoon.
“I wanted to stay close to home, and I was kind of indecisive if I wanted to play sports (in college) or not,” said Bush. “When I got an offer from Tech, I had to take it. I get to play a sport I love and stay close to my family. I’m excited to see what college has in store for me, and how much I can grow with just focusing on one sport instead of three for the first time.”
Bush is currently the defending champion in the TSSAA Class A state triple jump and finished third last season in long jump.
Despite her statewide success in track and field, Bush originally joined the track and field team for another reason.
“Honestly, I got into track to get better for basketball, but I’ve grown to love it,” she said. “I get to stay outside and meet a lot of new people every meet. I love all my coaches, and all my teammates have pushed me.
“After my first couple meets, I realized I loved to do it and realized I was good at it and could compete,” Bush added.
Multiple coaches have helped Bush along the way.
“Mr. (Jason) Bradley is the one who got me into track,” she said. “Coach (Lamar) Rogers has always been there, and he showed me how to push myself to my limit in basketball. Coach Fields and Josh Mullins have helped me with track. And of course all my family; they always support me and show up to all my meets.”
Despite her signing with Tennessee Tech, Bush’s career in a Lady Buffalo uniform isn’t over as she has the TSSAA state track and field meet next week. Bush will be competing in long jump and defending her triple jump title.
“I’m obviously hoping for a state championship in long and triple jump, but I’m not going to be nervous,” she said. “I’m going to go in there and have fun like I did last year and do my best.”
