Mississippi State’s head track coach Al Schmidt announces the signing of Vestavia Hills’ Trey Hardee and Wallace State Community College’s Jamel Ashley. Hardee attends Vestavia Hills High School, where he has lettered four years in track and field. An accomplished vaulter, Hardee holds the Alabama state record in the indoor pole vault at 15-2, which he set this spring.
Hardee took first place in the pole vault and 55m hurdles at the indoor state 6A championships this year while placing second in two other events. He has been for Vestavia Hills three straight years.
Ashley, a Dublin, Ga., native, anchored the junior college national championship 4x100m relay team at Wallace State last season. Ashley also finished second in the nation in both the 100 and 200 meters last season.
“Trey is going to be a real asset for this program in the future,” said Schmidt. “We are really pleased with his capabilities in many different areas.”
“The coaches feel that Jamel is one of the best sprint prospects in the nation. He will definitely fill some spots where we lose people after this year,” Schmidt said.
Hardee is a well-rounded individual, also earning letters in basketball, football and soccer while maintaining a 3.7 grade point average. He also is a member of the German Honor Society.
Ashley won the state championship as a senior at West Laurens (Ga.) High School in the 100 and 200 meters, setting a school record with his 10.26 mark in the 100m. He also earned letters in basketball and football while in high school.
Trey Hardee is the son of Jan and Frank DiCesare. Jamel Ashley is the son of Martin and Mary Ashley.