Anna Gierow with her father, Paul, and mother, Rhonda, all sitting, is sent off by her high school track coach, Brad Jefferson, before signing a track scholarship to Auburn University. (Record Photo/Nick Sellers)

By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer

MADISON – The track team down on the plains at Auburn University now has two student-athletes from Madison high schools to compete with the team in the 2015-16 school year.

Bob Jones senior Anna Gierow signed with the Tigers on a partial track athletic scholarship on April 22, weeks before graduation. James Clemens track star Joshua Burks signed with Auburn on April 16.

Gierow, who plays for the Bob Jones varsity soccer team and runs track, had her multi-sport situation highlighted by principal Robby Parker at her signing ceremony. Parker recalled a time when Gierow played the first half of a soccer game against Grissom, scored a goal and then rushed to compete in a track meet at James Clemens.

Gierow then rushed back over to finish out the soccer match.

“That is just the true essence of what Bob Jones is about,” Parker said.

The Patriots track coach, Brad Jefferson, also spoke fondly of Gierow despite coaching her for just this past year.

“There are some players you just can’t coach,” Jefferson said of Gierow. “It’s not because they’re stubborn or bull-headed; it’s because you become a fan after watching them play.”

Gierow, flanked by her parents Paul and Rhonda, read a prepared speech that thanked her teammates and coaches for helping her prepare. She also explained her initial reluctance to try track after playing soccer.

“After everyone telling me I run like an antelope, I thought, ‘Maybe it was time to try track,’” Gierow said.

Gierow will lead the Bob Jones track team into the 7A Sectionals Friday and Saturday at James Clemens. Last year she burst on the scene winning the 100M and 300M Hurdles at the 6A Sectional. The winners will go on the the AHSAA State Track Championship in Gulf Shores.

The Bob Jones soccer team will enter the playoffs and their first game will be next Tuesday.