Terence Dunlap finished up his high school sports career with a memorable performance at the Class 1A state track meet in Cullman May 5-6.

Dunlap finished as state champion in three events. He posted a state record time of 21.81 in the 200 meter, 10.9 in the 100 meter and 50 in the 400 meter.

He battled wind and rain throughout the event, which was not an environment conducive to produce his best times.

“We’ve played in the rain before in football, and it’s basically the same thing,” Dunlap said. “It all boils down to the mental side of things and whether you want to do it.”

However, despite the conditions he still managed to break the state record in the 200 meter and flirt with the record at the other two distances.

Dunlap’s personal bests came in the prior round at sectionals.

Each race had eight runners, which included the top four finishers from the sectional competition.

Dunlap entered very confident and entered as the top seed in each event. As a result, he started each race from lane No. 4.

“I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t running,” Dunlap said. “I’ve always been fast.”

It was the second straight year that Dunlap had topped the state in the 200 and 400 meters. The victory at 100 meters was a redemption of sorts, after he had slipped out of his bocks a year ago, preventing him from contending for the win.

“My goals for this year was to be the best leader that I could be and to win all the state championships I can,” Dunlap said. “I think I did my part in that.”

He began running as part of the Maplesville track team during in ninth grade, after he won a race against his cousin while at football practice.

“After I beat him, it was like I just fell in with the [track] team,” Dunlap said.

The Maplesville track team is made up of about 10 members, with six of those competing in the state finals.

“My teammates have always been there to support me every day,” Dunlap said. “That’s what I’m going to miss most about this school.”