Former Tates Creek runner, Alex Mortimer, is in stable condition following surgery to repair a broken fibula among other injuries after being struck by a vehicle while running with four other teammates in preparation for the 56th Annual Colonial Relays in Virginia. Mortimer's teammate, Eli Cramer, a sophomore at Milligan was killed.
Alex was a two-time state runner-up in the 3200m (2016 & 2017) as well as a state runner-up in cross country (2016). His high school career at Tates Creek began as an 8th grader who "ran up" for the high school and immediately had an impact on the team culture and propelled the program to new heights. As his high school coach, I had the distinct privilege of getting to know Alex and his family during our four years together. I can genuinely say that Alex was one of the hardest working athletes I have ever known. His dedication to his craft was undeniable and made him into the national champion level runner he became when he graduated and attended Milligan University.
During his time at Tates Creek, Alex competed with some of the best runners that have come out of the state of Kentucky. His teammate, Ben Young, went onto the University of Kentucky and broke the 4-minute barrier indoors. Ben also currently holds the state meet record for the 1600m for Class 3A with his 4:10.15 run in 2015. Alex also competed his entire high school career with duPont Manual's Yared Nuguse. Yared has gone on to be a multiple-time national champion at the University of Notre Dame. This level of competition for Alex during his time at Tates Creek formed him into a runner that was poised for success beyond high school and he did not disappoint.
Alex, we are thinking about you and your family. Your Tates Creek family is proud of all you have accomplished and grown to become. You are forever a Commodore.
More information about the incident can be found HERE.
Alex spoke about his win at the 2016 Henry Clay/Tanner Duke Invitational.