MADISON- The illustrious high school athletic career of Elizabeth Holcomb is winding down as she enters her final season of indoor and outdoor track, but the James Clemens senior has decided on the college of her choice by signing an athletic-academic scholarship with the University of South Alabama (USA). The 5-foot-7, 127-pound long distance runner put her name on the necessary paperwork during a ceremony held at Madison’s newest high school.

“My final choices were narrowed between USA and Mississippi State, but I chose USA because they have a wonderful medical school and after I finish my degree in biology it will be an easy transition to complete my education to become a doctor,” said Holcomb, who will carry a 4.29 grade point average into college.

Holcomb was recruited to run in the distances of 800-meter and longer in both the Jaguars’ programs of cross country and track. At James Clemens the 18-year old just completed her final season of cross country where she just missed being named All-State by finishing in the top 15 at the State Meet. She finished No. 19 among the state runners.

A 2018 cross country team captain, Holcomb holds school records in both the 3,200 and 5K events.

Once a competitive swimmer, Holcomb took to running in the eighth grade and has never looked back. She has been the No. 1 runner for the Lady Jets cross country program and partakes in the 800 and one mile events for the track team. She admits her running success is partly due to others.

“My teammates, coaches and family have pushed me and supported me all along the way,” said Holcomb, daughter of Sylvia Ross-Holcomb and Michael Holcomb. “My family, especially my older brother, Nick, were always there for me. Nick and I were very competitive with one another when it came to running at James Clemens. He’s now at Auburn and I’ll soon be on my way to USA.”

The University of South Alabama is among NCAA Div. I and is setup as a member of the Sun Belt Conference.