Track and Field runner Ryan Coley signs with Austin Peay State University

Another runner from Munford High signed to compete at the next level. Senior Ryan Coley signed his letter of intent to Austin Peay State University.

“It was definitely a school that I didn’t think I was going to choose at the end of the day, but, with touring the university and meeting the coach and the team, I feel like it’s the right spot for me,” the standout said.

Being under head track coach Bernard Ivie, he developed into a phenomenal runner and many schools across the nation were wanting him. Coley even received an offer from the University of Alabama.

But, he chose the Governors.

“At the end of the day, I had to make the right choice for myself, financially,” Coley explained on why he chose APSU, “Where I was going to be at, who I was going to around.”

Ivie knew when Coley entered high that his talent would lead him into becoming a go-to athlete and held high value to the team.

“We knew early that he was going to be a star,” the coach said.

“Ryan Coley is the team this year with other guys surrounding him,” he added.

Coley’s biggest motivation for running is his dad, who recently passed away. He brought up how his father created the work ethic he had to be at the level he is now.

“Losing my father was a big atrocity,” the signee reflected. “He created that work ethic. He created that open mindedness, that curiosity of just doing anything.”

“I feel like I could use running to express myself in that kind of way,” he added.