Former Bob Jones track and field athlete AJ Harmon with hi father, Jerome, and mother, Lisa, at his signing ceremony May 15. (Record Photo/Nick Sellers)

By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer

MADISON – Bob Jones had one more student-athlete sign with a college before the class of 2015 graduated at the Von Braun Center, as AJ Harmon committed to the University of Alabama in Huntsville on May 15 on a track and field scholarship.

Harmon made his reputation as a pole vaulter, earning a top-five ranking in the state for pole vaulting. Harmon began the spring season with a first-place finish at the James Clemens Early Bird Battle Royal Invitational and continued with a successful spring with the Patriots.

“To do pole vaulting you have to have a lot of guts,” Bob Jones principal Robby Parker said. “You have to have a lot of courage.”

Harmon’s track coach, Brad Jefferson, praised Harmon at his signing for his dedication and self-discipline.

Harmon thanked his parents, who sat by his side at his signing, and his high school coaches. Harmon will compete for Will Cain, head track and field coach at UAH.

“I can’t wait to be one of his pole vaulters, charge on!” Harmon finished as he put ink to paper and made it official with the UAH Chargers.

Harmon also had multiple extended family members attend his ceremony at Bob Jones.

“I am so happy that he’s going to UAH and staying close to home,” Harmon’s grandmother, Ann Dutton, said.

“It’s so great to see him sign,” Harmon’s mother, Lisa, said. “It was his determination that he’s here. He’s very kind.”