Jasper High School’s track and field team has a new member this year, and her enthusiasm brings a new spirit to the team.

Fourteen-year-old Addi Allred has (literally) hit the field running since she joined the team earlier this year.

Assistant track coach Caroline Kamplain said Allred’s exceptional education teachers, Jackee Key and Jonah Trotter, asked if Allred could join the school’s cross country team; however, since cross country wouldn’t start until the fall, Kamplain suggested she be a member of the track and field team.

Allred has been there since the first week of practice.

Kamplain and head track and field coach Andy Franks said some accommodations have been made so that Allred can participate, such as having Allred’s father, Walker County District Judge Henry Allred, run with her as a guide.

“For Addi, we knew that she couldn’t compete in the regular heat races because it would be too overwhelming, so we made sure to call the meet director of each meet that we’re going to, which is usually the coach of whatever school we’re going to, and we just ask if they can make a separate heat for Addi to compete in,” Franks said. “For the most part, all of the coaches have been more than willing to do that. They love seeing special needs athletes competing.”

Kamplain said she has seen Allred running around Jasper for years with her family, and she’s happy that she is now representing Jasper High on the track and field team.

“I like that I have seen Addi always in high spirits and happy, with a smile on her face doing it,” Kamplain said.

Franks says some things overstimulate Allred, such as the starter pistols at meets or when crowds cheer loudly. He also said she enjoys practice more than the meets, but she always has fun and has improved her skills. She recently broke her personal record at the Mike Spann Invitational at Winfield City High School.

Allred’s family told the Daily Mountain Eagle that the team has welcomed her. The coaches concurred.

“It has definitely been a big inspiration for the rest of our kids to see her go out there and give it her best every time she is there. It tells them that they can do it too,” Franks said. “The kids love having her out there. They love her enthusiasm, how excited she is to be there. … We always have kids asking what they can do to help.”

Kamplain said Allred is in seventh grade and has many years to grow in the sport — and more time to inspire her peers.

“Everyone is seeing the effort that she is putting into this sport and I hope that builds for years moving forward and we can get more students from different populations to participate in track,” Kamplain said. “I think that will only increase when we get to host meets.”

The track and field team has an upcoming sectionals meet at Lincoln High School on April 26 and 27 and a state meet in Gulf Shores from May 2-4. Allred is confirmed to be participating in the state meet.

Franks said Allred has such excitement to be part of a team.

“After watching her out there, whether it be practice or meets, I’ve said this to other coaches and her dad all the time, ‘This is what sports is all about.’ It’s not always winning, losing, times or whatever, it’s to find the joy in just being a part of a team, and I think every kid deserves to have that opportunity,” Franks said. “I think Addi getting out there and doing as well as she’s doing should show any kid that everyone is welcome as long as they’re willing to put themselves out there and go for it. We’re definitely welcoming of anyone on our team, and we’re very happy that Addi is out there, for sure.”