Bates signs with SCC track

FAIRFIELD — Fairfield senior Tallon Bates will be heading west on Highway 34 next fall. Bates signed his letter of intent last week to attend and run track and field at Southeastern Community College in Burlington.

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Bates, a past qualifier in both the state tournament and the Drake Relays, says he originally wanted to play college baseball, but the dominoes fell in place to continue his running career.

“It was definitely not something I ever thought I would do,” Bates said. “Track isn't my first option, but there is always an opportunity to do other sports as well.”

Bates says staying close to home was a big factor in his decision.

“Southeastern was closer to home, which is a big benefit to me,” Bates said. “Coach (Lucas) Keifer is a really cool dude, and I feel like I can get along with him really well.”

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Bates, a three-sport athlete for Fairfield, plans on studying small business. He’ll be joining an SCC program that has just started up in the last five years.

“They're a new team,” Bates said. “One person really can make a difference, and they already have a good team anyway.”

Bates says looking forward to this spring, he wants to get back to the blue oval, and bring some teammates along with him.

“That's more or less the goal right now, is to run at state and Drake,” Bates said. “I'm not worried about myself. I've already done it. I want these younger guys that are on my 4X100 and my d-met to be able to do it too, so I think that's what my motivation is.”