Westover's Chastity Pickett chooses Campbell University

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Chastity Pickett could not stop smiling. The Westover High School senior signed a letter of intent to run track with Campbell University on Tuesday afternoon, and she appearted to be a happy young lady.

A group of family, friends, teachers and coaches gathered at Westover’s cafeteria for the ceremony as Pickett made her diecision official. She also chose Campbell for track and field over opportunities to play basketball. She was a member of the Lady Patriot basketball team and was named Albany Herald’s “Defensive Player of the Year.”

Pickett thanked her family, friends and coaches and then picked up the Campbell hat and put it on her head to show that she would run track for the Lady Camels of Campbell. Campbell is a private Christian college in North Carolina. It is a division one school with more than 6,000 students and competes in the Big South Conference.

“I chose Campbell because they offer my major there and school comes first,” Pickett said. “I believe I can make a difference there.”

Pickett plans to pursue a degree in physical theraphy.

“I have been here 20 years,” said track and basketball coach Lewis Smith, “Chastity is one of the best female athletes I’ve ever had the chance to work with.”

Smith praised Pickett’s work ethic and willingness to help and encourage teammates.

“I see a lot of great things coming for her.”

Pickett and her Westover teammates were celebrating Tuesday, but Thursday those smiles will turn to game faces. Pickett is the defending state champion in the girls 300 meter hurdles, and she is looking to repeat and maybe get some more. The Westover team will be there as well.

In the region track meet Pickett won region titles in the 300 meter hurdles, the 100 meter hurdles, the 4×400 relay and finished second in the long jump. She will be compeiting in all of those events this weekend at Hugh Mills Stadium in Albany for state honors.

“We have her for one more week,” Lewis said of Pickett, “It is going to be hard to let her go.”

Joe Whitfield