Cade Flatt signed his National Letter of Intent on Friday at Marshall County High School to continue his track and academic career at the University of Mississippi. Cade narrowed down his school selections to five – Notre Dame, University of Mississippi, University of Kentucky, North Carolina and Iowa State – and following a teaser with the North Carolina cap, Cade unzipped his jacket to reveal his decision to attend Ole Miss.
“The deciding factor was the successful teammates and successful coaches… from the get-go, the jerseys and facilities are kind of second…but if you’re not around successful people it’s kind of hard to be successful as a general rule”, said Cade. “It came down to Iowa State and Ole Miss, and just being in the SEC and having the support system of Marshall County. If I went to the Big 12, I wouldn’t have the support…I’d be 10 hours away for every meet.”
Cade will compete for Head Coach Connie Price-Smith, under the supervision of Associate Head Coach Ryan Vanhoy for the Rebels in the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference.
In his five years of competing for the Marshall County track and field team, Cade has specialized in the 800 meters, but ran everything from the 200 meters to the 1600 meter run, while occasionally high jumping. Last season, Cade helped solidify the team’s third place finish at state, winning the state title in the 800 meters and as a part of the state champion 4 x 400 meter relay team.
Cade currently holds the fastest time in Kentucky and eighth fastest in the nation in the 800 meters with 1:50.25, set at the Brooks Invitational in Washington this past July.
“Cade is our first guy to commit this season and I know he will take full advantage of the opportunity and will undoubtedly continue his success at Ole Miss”, Marshall County track and field Head Coach Andrew Johnston said. “He began his career as a two-sport athlete, but quickly found his home on the track. Cade embodies what it means to be a student athlete – he’s focused, determined, respectful and highly motivated in the classroom and on the track.”
Johnston added, “Cade runs for the guys around him and in the process makes everyone around him better. He is a tireless worker and dedicated to his craft. Ole Miss will be better for adding him to their roster.”
Cade credits many along the way for his development, including former middle school coach Richard Dowdy for introducing him to the 800 meters, as well as Head Coach Andrew Johnston, Assistant Coach Chuck Gullo, his current and former teammates, Isaiah Kirby, his brother Bryce and most of all he thanks his parents, Stephen and Leslie.
Coach Johnston said his contributions to the MCHS program have been outstanding and they look forward to huge things from him in his senior season.
“If the off-season is any indication, we know he will have a tremendous year”, Johnston said. “We are beyond proud of what Cade has done and will do. Our goal here at Marshall County track is to “leave your mark” and there isn’t any doubt the impact Cade has had on this team and we wish him way more than luck.”
Among the large group of support for Cade at his signing in pictures below – his family, coaches, teammates and friends.
