By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

GERALDINE, Ala. — Despite no practice field or budget for uniforms, two years ago, a track team became a reality for Geraldine High School.  

Under the leadership of Robin Bynum, a cross-country team evolved. In their first year, Geraldine struggled to make a name for themselves. In addition to cross-country, the school began an indoor track team coached by Jadie Chester and an outdoor track team coached by Joey Rowell. 

In their second year as a team, Geraldine showed up and showed out. Collin Mayfield, a Junior at Geraldine set a personal and course record at the Pisgah Invitational with the time of 16:58.92. 

Last fall, Mayfield won the Alabama High School Athletic Association State Championship (AHSAA) in the Class 3A boys Cross County individual race. He crossed the finish line at 16:16:50 for the win. 

Recently, Mayfield added three more trophies to his collection, winning the AHSAA State Championship in Class 1A-3A Boys 800, 1600 and 3200 meters run at the AHSAA Indoor Track and Field Championship, giving him four career titles, thus far. 

Mayfield has been a multi-sports player for Geraldine in the past but has decided to concentrate solely on his track career. He trains year-round and has set several goals for himself. He hopes to continue his sports career in college, run marathons and eventually coach others.

“Collin has been really blessed to stay healthy in order to achieve what he has in the last year. His first year of Cross Country was very difficult considering he knew very little about the sport,” said Geraldine Cross Country Track Coach Jodie Bynum.

“A good Christian leader, kind, considerate, hardworking and determined” are just a few words that people within the Geraldine Community use to describe Collin Mayfield.  

“All we knew at the beginning was that he had the stamina to run long distances at a decent pace. After struggling to compete with the "big boys" the first year, he knew he was going to have to work exceptionally hard year round to get better and that is exactly what he did. There is not an "off season" with Collin. He sees an opportunity to get better every day. Determination and perseverance are what have made him better. He is an overcomer,” Bynum concluded. “If you don't believe it, just look at what the kid has done in a year’s time. I am thankful to have gotten an opportunity to learn from him. I can't wait to see what is next for Collin.”