(Marion) — On Wednesday, Marion High School student-athlete Kade Murdock signed a letter of intent to continue his track & field career at Texas A&M-Kingsville.
Murdock, who throws the discus, follows in the footsteps of Marion field throwing coach Valerie Stoddard who is an alum of A&M-Kingsville. Stoddard, a Navarro High School grad, was an All-American shot put thrower for the Javelina track team from 2013 to 2016. Murdock credited her in helping him select A&M-Kingsville.
“Coach Stoddard really kinda told me about their track program.” Murdock said. “And since I really want to take it to the next level, I know they are really competitive in their track program. So, she kinda really sold the deal for me.”
Murdock played tight end and defense end on the Marion High School football team this past fall in addition to competing in the discus for the Bulldog track team this spring. Marion boys track coach Cliff Hill, who also coached Murdock on the football team, says Murdock is a very competitive athlete with a strong work ethic.
“Kade has a different personality, a different work ethic than a lot of kids.” Hill said of Murdock. “He’s a man. He’s kinda like one of the guys and so to kind of have that relationship with him has been a lot of fun. He’s harder on himself than I could ever be on him and so reeling back that competitiveness a little sometimes has been good, but I am super excited for the opportunity he’s got.”
Murdock is already attending Texas A&M-Kingsville. The Javelina track & field team is coached by Ryan Dall. Dall has been the head track & field and cross country coach at A&M-Kingsville for the last 15 years.