Addison Felty rewrites the Lady Colonels’ track and field record book

The Bourbon County senior claims the 100 and 200 marks and now chases the long-standing 400 record

 

IVAN K. RICE I doctorofsports@aol.com

 

PARIS, KY – Bourbon County High School has long been known for its middle‑ and long‑distance excellence, but every so often a sprinter comes along who forces the rest of the state to take notice. This spring, that sprinter is Lady Colonel senior Addison Felty, a late‑career speed revelation who now owns the school records in both the 100- and 200-meter dashes and is closing fast on the 400.

“Leaders are not made overnight, and Addison is no exception. It has taken every ounce of effort, discipline, heartbreak, sacrifice, and determination to get here. And knowing Addison, she wouldn’t want it any other way,” said Head Coach Drew Perraut. “In the military we always say, ‘Control your three‑foot world.’ Focus on what you can control, your effort, your attitude, your preparation. Leave the rest up to your training. That is exactly what Addison has done her entire career.”

 

A record‑breaking night

At Bourbon County’s most recent meet, Felty delivered one of the greatest sprint performances in program history. She won the 100 meters in a school‑record 12.73 seconds, breaking Kim Peters’ 1990 mark of 12.75, despite only taking up the event less than a month ago.

Later that evening, she struck again. Felty ran 26.22 in the 200 meters, erasing Dee Dee Warfield’s 1988 record of 26.28. Two races, two records, and a new chapter in Lady Colonel sprinting.

Felty’s best event, the 400, is the one she wants most. The record, 57.84, set by Lady Colonels great Pam Raglin in 1983, has stood untouched for 43 years. Felty nearly toppled it at the prestigious Louisville Eastern Relays, clocking 57.95, the second‑fastest time in school history.

“Addison is like a daughter to me. I’ve had the privilege of watching her grow up right in front of my eyes, and what she has become is nothing short of remarkable,” Perraut said. “From a young girl who could barely make it around the track one time to one of the greatest athletes Bourbon County has ever seen, her story is built on grit, discipline, sacrifice, and heart.”

He added, “In an era where people talk about recruiting talent, building super teams, and chasing shortcuts, what excites me is something completely different. I got to watch Addison Felty build herself into greatness, day after day, lap after lap, workout after workout.”

 

Finding her speed

Felty has been running track since third grade, but it wasn’t until eighth grade that someone saw the sprinter inside her.

“I ran the 200 at an indoor meet my 8th‑grade year, and former coach (the late) Matt Perraut looked at me and said, ‘Looks like we just found your event.’ Since then, I’ve specialized in the 400 and 200, and just this year, the 100 too.”

The 100 and 200 require a different level of commitment, and Felty embraced it.

“I’ve always focused on the 400, so this year I’ve really tried to focus on more than just that race so I can improve in all my races. Shorter, higher‑intensity reps in practice while still maintaining lactic threshold and sprint endurance for the 400.”

She also dove into the science of sprinting.

“I’ve done a lot of research on mechanics, drills, and form. Coach Perraut has done the same, researching sprint workouts and what sprinters need compared to other distances.”

 

Two records down, one to go

When it comes to Felty, her goals were simple, and she hit them.

“My goal for the 100 was to break the record. I don’t run that race normally, but I’ve had so much fun doing it these past few meets. The 200, I run normally, and my goal was just to get to a faster time. Breaking the record really helped me achieve that.”

Now, the 400 record is in her sights, along with strong showings at region, state, and nationals.

“True leaders do not just raise themselves; they raise the standard for everyone else,” Perraut said. “Addison has created a culture where younger athletes now believe they can accomplish things that once seemed impossible. Some of those young runners are already chasing and breaking records because Addison showed them what was possible. That is legacy.”

And that legacy will remain long after she graduates.

“I want people to remember me as a mentor to my younger teammates, building them up with confidence and determination. I hope they learn to trust the process and never give up. And I hope they learn how important recovery and fueling your body are, because those two things have really brought me to where I am today.”

If Felty were to break the school’s 400‑meter record, she would join truly elite company in this community. She would stand alongside Paris High School legend Lanie Fomas, the only local athlete to hold school records in the 100, 200, and 400‑meter dashes. Fomas set his marks back in 1987, and for nearly four decades no sprinter from Bourbon County or Paris has matched that rare triple, a feat Felty is now on the verge of chasing down.

 

The final stretch

Felty and her teammates will compete this weekend at the Region 4 Championship, and with her high school career nearing its end, she made sure to thank those who helped her reach this moment.

“I want to thank God for allowing me to compete in this sport and giving me the ability to run. I want to thank my parents, my family, and friends who have all supported me. And my coaches, specifically Coach Drew, who has never given up on me and has coached me for 10 years.”

After graduation, Felty will run track at Morehead State University while majoring in agribusiness and minoring in political science, with plans to become an agricultural lawyer. She carries a weighted 4.3 GPA and is the daughter of Mike and Ronda Felty. She has two siblings, Makayla and Nate.

Perraut summed up her journey with the perspective of someone who has watched every step.

“I’ve watched Addison transform from a sweet, immature, stubborn, hardheaded little girl who would cry when things didn’t go her way into one of the most disciplined, hardworking athletes, teachers, and mentors you will ever meet. What makes Addison special is not just the records or the medals, it’s the way she makes everyone around her better. Some athletes break records. Some win championships. And every once in a while, an athlete comes along who changes the standard forever. That is Addison Felty. And the scary part is, the future is still incredibly bright.”

He paused, then added, “Morehead State is not just getting a great athlete. They’re getting a superstar, a leader, and a young woman who will leave every place she touches better than she found it.”

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The 2026 Class 2A Region 4 Track & Field Championship will begin Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Bishop Brossart Mustangs Athletic Complex, located at 848 Gilbert Ridge Road in Alexandria, Kentucky. Covington Catholic will serve as the host school for this year’s meet, which is expected to feature one of the deepest and most competitive fields in the region.

 

ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY JENNIFER ARNETT I For The Citizen