(Image courtesy of Sheldon James Photography)
Te'aira Branham-Patrick has served notice to sprinters state-wide that a new contender has arrived on the scene from Chaminade Julienne.
Branham-Patrick, an Eagles freshman, got off to a strong start during her high school career openers back in December, which included a 200 meter meet title at the Tiffin Series and she's carried that momentum through to present date.
In a pair of high school-based meets in the new year, Branham-Patrick has collected two more 200m triumphs to go along with her first taste of victory in the 60m dash, a 7.85 finals effort last weekend at Ohio State.
In addition to her efforts on behalf of Chaminade Julienne, Branham-Patrick has kept her game sharp by capitalizing on club meet opportunities both within state bounds and abroad. Included in her travels have been multiple stops in Louisville, KY to get reps in against unfamiliar competition from the Bluegrass State.
Branham-Patrick's early successes shouldn't come as a surprise, though, as the sport runs deep in her family and despite her young age, she's acquired a tremendous amount of experience to this point.
"Te'aira's interest in running track started when she used to watch her older sister compete in middle school and she actually got started herself by participating in summer track at just 6-years of age," said coach Sheldon James.
While Branham-Patrick has focused mainly on the 60 and the 200 in the early goings of her high school tenure, expect for her participation to broaden to more events come the outdoor season.
"Te'aira has excelled at the 60m, 100m, 200m and 400m races to this point and her accolades include being the AAU 14-under 100m national champion and the 3rd place finisher at the middle school state meet," said James.
Focused to a level beyond her years, Branham-Patrick has clearly identified not only her immediate objectives, but she's also got a detailed long-term road map in place.
"Her aspirations for this year are to win a state title as a freshman and continue to achieve new personal bests by getting stronger and faster, and, of course, to continue to strive to be a great teammate," said James.
"In the future, Branham-Patrick intents to pursue track at the college level, ideally at Louisiana State University where she would also like to study medicine," said James.
"Ultimately she's aiming to become a professional track athlete and once the sport is no longer in the cards, she hopes to work in the medical industry," Coach James concluded.
We'll be eager to follow where Branham-Patrick's competition schedule brings her next and, in particular, how her trajectory unfolds within what have been her marquee events to this point, the 60 and the 200.
She currently resides at No. 5 and No. 6 in the overall state rankings due her 2022 season best marks of 7.72 and 25.54, respectively.
Wittenberg High School Meet No. 2
(200m Finals Section 1)
