Wednesday at Marshall County High School, Aiden Dunigan signed his National Letter of Intent to compete in track and field for Transylvania University in Lexington. Under Head Coach Matt Andrews, Transylvania is a member of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (NCAA DIII).
Aiden has been a member of the Marshall County Track and Field program for four years. He has been a valuable asset to the Marshals during that time as a sprinter, thrower and jumper. Last season, Aiden found his home in the jumps, securing All-Area 1 Class 3A First Team honors in the triple jump, long jump and high jump.
There is no better feeling than seeing a kid like Aiden make his move to the next level”, Marshals Head Coach Andrew Johnston said. “Aiden embodies what track and field is all about. He is focused, determined, patient, accountable and resilient. There are days out here where we have to trust kids to put in the work and be leaders and Aiden has always been a guy I can trust on the field and in the classroom. Aiden is a tireless worker and I know Transylvania will be better for adding him to their roster.”
Last season, Aiden scored 10 points individually at the Region 1 track meet, earning top marks in the high jump (5th), triple jump (4th) and long jump (4th). His performances in the long jump and high jump earned him a trip to the KHSAA State Track and Field Championships where he finished 21st and 19th. Aiden currently has two top five marks in the freshman record book in jumps and looks to secure top marks in program history this year.
Aiden credits several people who have helped him along the way including his middle school coach Cole Nelson, current head coach Andrew Johnston, teacher John Clayton and Transylvania Coach Favors-Charleston. Also, family members Leslie and Heath Dunigan, Dalton Nelson, Jennifer and Dale Williams, Alisha and Lee Gallagher, Dayla Williams and Sheree and Bob Mantooth.
“Aiden’s contributions to the program have been outstanding while at Marshall County, but he is not finished yet”, Johnston said. “We expect huge things from him during this, his senior season. If the off-season work is any indication, we know he will have a tremendous year. We are beyond proud of what Aiden has done and will do. Our goal here at Marshall County track is to ‘leave your mark’ and there isn’t any doubt of the impact Aiden has had on this team. We wish him way more than luck.”
Joining Aiden at his signing in the photos below were family members, coaches, members of the track and football teams and friends.
