Eric Parker could hardly believe who was on the other end of the line.
When the Cleveland High School track standout was nearly ready to sign with Western Kentucky, Parker’s dream school came sweeping in.
“When UT called me last Thursday, it freaked me out a little bit,” Parker said earlier this week. “I have always looked up to that team, and (the University of Tennessee’s) Tom Black Track is by far my favorite track. It’s a great feeling to know one day I will run for them on that track.”
With Parker’s commitment, the Volunteers have landed an elite speedster who specializes in hurdles. He recently set a school record in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 13.84 seconds. That’s second in the state to Arts & Sciences junior Brevin Sims, whose 13.68 is fifth-fastest nationally for a high school runner this year.
Parker and Sims both have a strong chance of breaking the TSSAA boys’ track and field championship meet’s record time of 13.79, set by Memphis University School’s Harrison Williams in 2014. This spring represents the last shot at the mark for Parker, a senior who expects to be running against Southeastern Conference competition a year from now.