Morgan Academy’s multi-sport athlete Hardin Utsey recently shined at the 2019 Alabama Striders Invitational.

At the meet, Utsey finished second in the high jump, triple jump and third in the long jump. He was among over 1,200 athletes that competed in the meet held at the Birmingham Crossplex and hosted by the Alabama Striders.

Utsey said he enjoys competing in track.

“It feels great,” Utsey said. “These track meets have been a lot of fun.”

Utsey is coming off an exceptional football season for the Senators, playing wide receiver and defensive back.  He made The Selma Times-Journal’s All-Dallas County team and honorable mention on the Alabama Sportswriters Association (ASWA) team.

Utsey said he didn’t have a problem juggling both sports. Over the years, Morgan Academy players have successfully managed their time playing two sports.

“Football has kept me in shape for track and somedays after football practice I would go to the track and practice on my jumps,” Utsey said. “But as soon as football was over, I started training for track everyday.”

Utsey said football and track complement each other and he couldn’t pick between the two sports.

“Football and track are by far my favorite sports,” Utsey said. “I really do not think I could pick a favorite.”