Lance Hartley
Lance Hartley graduated from Taylorville High School in 2005 after a stellar career in track and field and as a member of the Tornado football team, baseball team and a three year member on the basketball team. “Lance Hartley’s gold shoes fit nicely with Taylorville’s purple and gold color scheme” began the Decatur Herald story following Lance’s record setting long jump of 22’10 1/2'’ at the Decatur Open in 2005.
Hartley’s talent in track and field became evident when he set the school record in the triple jump on his first attempt after never practicing the event his sophomore year. During his high school career, he continued improving and broke the triple jump record six more times concluding with a jump of 43’ 7”.
Lance Hartley arguably was one the most versatile and most talented track athletes n Taylorville history.
During his junior year he cleared 7’0” in the high jump ranking him number 2 in the nation at the time. Nursing a hip flexor injury, Lance entered the IHSA State Track meet ranked Number 3 nationally in 2004 and finished 3rd with a leap of 6’8”.
His senior season, he continued his assault on the triple jump record, maintained his long jump record, qualifying for both in the state finals and again placed in the state high jump with a 6th place finish at 6’7”.
Earning Central State 8 honorable mention honors as a sophomore, Hartley is the only Taylorville athlete to be named Central State 8 Conference “Athlete of the Year” both in 2004 and 2005.
On the gridiron, Hartley led the Tornadoes in receptions with 24 and 374 yards his senior year and was selected to the Central State 8 All-Conference Team.
A two year starter on the basketball team, he scored 269 career points and was selected team captain as a senior. Following graduation, Lance Hartley received a full scholarship to join the Southern Illinois University Track Team.
Lance could not attend the banquet this evening, as he currently lives in Chandler, Arizona. Accepting his plaque and induction is his father, Harold Hartley.