Chandler Smith, former athlete for the James Clemens Jets, is headed to UAH to compete for the university’s track team. (Contributed)

By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer

MADISON – Another James Clemens student-athlete will continue his track career after high school with the addition of just-graduated Chandler Smith to the track roster of the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH).

Smith also had offers from the University of South Alabama and Birmingham-Southern College from inside the state, in addition to a choice to attend Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville.

“I felt led to go to UAH because of the great nursing program, and I like the size of the campus,” said Smith, who will be joining high-school teammate Austin Caudle on the university’s team.

With the Chargers, Smith said he anticipates specializing in the javelin throw and high jump. However, Smith was recruited as a decathlete by the four schools that offered him and he will also compete in the decathlon, which consists of 10 track-and-field events – including the high jump and javelin throw.

Smith performed at a high level in the javelin competitions his sophomore and junior years, qualifying for state both years. He also placed first in the javelin throw his junior year at the sectional meet.

A shoulder injury suffered during the fall kept him from qualifying his senior year, but Smith still made state in the high jump and triple jump.

“My most memorable moment from track would probably be the team’s trip to the state meet in Gulf Shores my senior year,” Smith said. “This is because of the great food at Lambert’s [Café] and being able to watch my team succeed against the competition in many different events.”

Apart from athletics, Smith is active in the Asbury United Methodist Church youth group and the youth choir. He was also involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and Breakfast Buddies, a once-per-week mentoring program for elementary school students.

Smith has an older brother, Spencer, who is a junior at the University of Alabama. His parents are Mickie and Steve, a Madison city councilman.