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Tullahoma High School sophomore Brindley Duncan has had an eventful couple of weeks. Earlier this month, she was named to the first-ever Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association Student Advisory Committee. Then she followed that news by breaking a nearly 50-year school record this past Thursday.

At the Great Eight Invitational at Lipscomb Academy in Nashville on Thursday, Duncan broke the THS school record in the 800-meter run, finishing with a time of 2 minutes and 15.22 seconds. As a freshman last year, Duncan tied the previous record, which was set by Phyllis Hines in 1977 at 2:15.9.

“I have put a lot of effort each year in trying to get this record, so I’m very blessed and honored to have achieved this goal,” Duncan said. “Even though I may run alone, it was a team effort with my coach, teammates and parents who pushed me.”

The Great Eight Invitational hosts the best high school track and field athletes in Middle Tennessee, allowing them to go head-to-head in competition. Each event has only one heat, and only the best eight performances are accepted into this elite meet.

“I’ve had the good fortune as a coach to be attached to Brindley since she was in the seventh grade,” said THS Girls Track & Field Head Coach Chris Clemens. I knew she was a special person and athlete from an early age. Her approach and her competitive fire are innate qualities. You can coach mechanics, but you can’t coach heart. I knew that if we could commit to the process and not focus on the results, big things would come. I also know that she wanted the school record for her own. Now that it’s behind us, we can focus on getting even better.”

It was also announced earlier this month that Duncan was one of 20 students from across the state to be chosen for the first-ever TSSAA Student Advisory Committee.

“I am very excited and honored to be a part of this committee,” Duncan said. “It is a little more exciting because this will be a first for everyone, so we will all learn as we go. Being selected to this committee is really special because I have always wanted to make a difference in every sport, whether that is on the field or track. I now get to make a difference off the field by talking to other athletes from across the state, working with the TSSAA.”

The TSSAA Student Advisory Committee consists of a diverse group of students and student-athletes from member schools throughout the state. This team will act as ambassadors for their peers and the TSSAA while gaining insights into the sports industry through various committee activities. The committee will ensure that student perspectives are represented in TSSAA governance, focusing on key areas such as current issues affecting student-athletes, feedback on rules and regulations, contributions to TSSAA special initiatives and promoting a positive image of student-athletes.

“I am truly excited for Brindley being a part of the very first TSSAA Student Advisory Committee,” said TCS Athletic Director John Olive. “I appreciate Coach Chadwick and Coach Clemens nominating her and writing recommendations for Brindley. She will be able to look at different issues from the perspective of a multi-sport athlete, as she has participated in four different sports while in high school. Brindley will bring a unique perspective of a dual athlete participating in two sports simultaneously, girls soccer and girls cross country.”