Lynchburg – There are efforts in recent history that people are willing to write off as an overnight success. The story of Carroll County sophomore Corrie Delp is anything but that as we are in year five of her track career in the CCHS system despite the fact Delp is only in the 10th grade.
The constants in her efforts are Head Coach Shawn Montgomery and the Assistant Coach that has a duel role as Jon Delp is both her mentor and her father. The trio were center stage at Liberty University on Saturday as Delp competed in her signature event, the Long Jump for the second straight season.
Delp was one of 41 entries in the Class 3 field, each with the hopes of earning a spot in the Finals. A scratch in her attempt left her with two more jumps and battling nagging injuries , Delp failed to earn a spot in the finals.
The final effort of the season coming up short had minimal impact on the disposition of Delp.
” Today was exciting and I was happy to be there at the highest level in the State,” Delp said. ” I love competing in Track and Field and I would be lost without my Dad by my side.”
Part of the difference between her Freshman season and her Sophomore year is that Delp competed at the Varsity level for both Cindy Edwards in Volleyball and Marc Motley in Basketball prior to heading outdoors in the Spring.
Everyone that makes the jump from Junior Varsity to Varsity will admit to the difference in how fast everything moves and the raised expectations of the coaches they play for.
Edwards takes the time to notice the off the court side of Delp in addition to her athletic ability.
” Corrie Delp is another 3 sport athlete, who is very athletic, so gifted she is quick and is blessed with a great determination to get better, ” said Edwards. ” I’m most impressed when I watch her with her little sister who has needs and you can truly see the love she has for her, she is patient, kind and loving with her.”
Delp is now halfway to every Track athlete in the Commonwealth goal of competing well enough to make it to State every time possible.
Head Coach Montgomery shared his thoughts on the efforts he receives every day from his long time team member.
” Corrie is a natural talent that is always looking to improve”, said Montgomery. ” She excels at anything she attempts to do once we get outside and start competing.”
The number five pops up all over the place in the Montgomery and Delp connection. The trio are all in their fifth season together and Corrie is the middle of the five Delp daughters.
Also trackside but on the outside of the ropes is the other proud parent, Vanetta Delp.
” I am so proud of Corrie’s attitude after she qualified for State once again, even though she knew some of the girls would probably out jump her,” Vanetta Delp said. ” She just considered it an honor to get to compete at the highest level.”
Many Carroll County High School athletes compete for their parents, including Montgomery and his daughter, Delp and his daughter, Greg Talley and his Son, Kris Richardson and his son are a few of the examples and Delp wouldn’t have her experience to be any other way. Being split between Father and Coach seems to fit Jon Delp as well as Corrie.
” Corrie did not have the day that we would have hoped,” Jon Delp said. ” The thing is Corrie and I, as her father and her coach, learn from each contest. We takes notes, we evaluate and try to get better each meet. She will be back next year with a fresh perspective and that desire to improve upon this season, just as she did this year from last. Corrie improved on her personal best (PB) from last year and I know that she will give it her best the next two years.”
A.S.P.N on The Hill 