Crisfield track athlete makes history with pair of state championships

Over the course of two years, Kyle Noll’s ankles had taken a beating.

In eighth grade, he broke his right ankle playing soccer. The following year, he had four screws inserted into his left ankle, keeping him away from athletics during his early days of high school.

But Noll would eventually work his way back into the athletic scene, playing soccer and running track for Crisfield High School.

His passion, though, was on the track, first participating in the long jump as a seventh-grader.

Once he was healthy, Noll joined Crisfield’s track team and almost instantly became the team’s top runner. During the outdoor season, he takes part in the 110-meter hurdles and high jump, and in indoor track, it’s the 55-meter hurdles and high jump.

Noll has consistently finished in the top spot, going undefeated as a junior in the 55-meter hurdles. But at the MPSSAA State Championship Indoor Track Meet, Noll officially made his mark in Crisfield history.

The junior won both his events and became the first indoor track athlete in school history to win a state championship.

In the 55-meter hurdles, he edged out the second-place runner by .03 seconds, finishing the event with a time of 7.95. In the high jump, Noll posted a 6-00 and was awarded the medals every track athlete hopes to receive.

“I think it’s pretty cool,” Noll said. “It’s good to do something good for the school.”

Several of the junior’s family members attended Crisfield, making the historic accomplishment something everyone around Noll can celebrate.

But two years prior, the state champion athlete wasn’t even attending the school. He was down the road at Holly Grove Christian School with no thoughts of running for Crisfield.

Noll transferred following his freshman year.

“It was a good school, and I learned a lot, like religion and other things,” Noll said. “But it’s a much different environment. There was a big difference (coming to Crisfield), but I’m glad I did transfer.”

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Once he joined the Crabbers, he met head coach Brandon Austin, and the two began working to elevate Noll’s game and prepare him for the challenges that can come as a track athlete.

Coming into Crisfield, Noll was still recovering from his injuries and had to relearn a sport that was relatively new. Although he had participated in track in middle school, Noll would now take part in different events that required strength and speed.

But in his first meet, Noll excelled, beating the times of some of the most experienced Crabbers. From that moment, Austin knew his team had acquired something special. 

“He’s the perfect example of what a student-athlete should be,” Austin said. “He’s never missed a practice, and he’s just been a shining light on the track team. I think some people see his success and want to model after that.”

However, Noll wasn’t certain he’d suit up for the track team as a sophomore.

He was still trying to come back for soccer season, but continued to battle issues with his ankles. Prior to the season, Noll’s doctor told him if he didn’t treat his injury with caution, he would risk permanent problems with his walking.

Through his training, Noll designed a plan that allowed him to play the sports he loved while taking care with his ankles.

He remained vigilant, built up his strength and eased his way back into full form.

Since joining the track team, Noll has helped the program claim three conference championships, four regional titles and his state championships.

“I can see him focus before the meets,” Austin said. “He’s just a natural athlete. I think if Kyle was to go into any event, he would excel at it. He’s got a lot of colleges contacting him because he’s an all-around great athlete.”

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Nearly two years into his high school track career, Noll admitted a wave of nerves still overcomes him prior to each meet.

From the bus ride to the starting blocks, Noll hasn’t figured out the formula to conquer his nerves. But once he takes off, they don’t hold him back.

“It’s the weirdest thing,” Noll said with a chuckle. “You’d think it would (get easier) as the year goes on, but it doesn’t as more important meets come along like regions and states.”

With outdoor season directly around the corner and his senior year on the horizon, Noll realizes he has the opportunity to go down as one of the best athletes in Crisfield history.

Austin sees the other athletes study Noll and try to mirror his success in their respective events.

But Noll’s accomplishments didn’t come overnight — it was something he worked at and had to overcome adversity to achieve.

Austin and other Crisfield officials are hoping to present Noll with a state championship banner that will hang in the Crabbers’ gymnasium for generations to come. With other sports like basketball and field hockey often getting the bulk of recognition, the junior can now look on the wall where his accomplishment is commemorated.

And should other track athletes discover the journey Noll took to make history, the junior hopes they’ll learn from his actions and work to achieve their own legacy.

“I don’t see myself as a role mode,” Noll said. “But if you keep working, keep getting better, you’ll see results.”

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