Babb signs with Augustana University after record-breaking career at Tea Area

Tea Area High School senior Jaycie Babb has officially signed to continue her cross country and track & field career at Augustana University. Babb is pictured above with her family. 

Babb prepares to leave Tea Area as one of the most decorated distance runners in school history. She was recently named to the SDTFCCA All-State Cross Country Team and earned NHSTFCCCA All-American honors for the second consecutive year—receiving both distinctions in back-to-back seasons.

Her name fills the Titans record books. She holds the school record in the cross country 5K with a time of 18:11.6, making her the only girl in program history to break the 19-minute mark. On the track, she owns school records in the 800m, 1600m, 3200m, 4x800m relay, and the 1600m sprint medley relay. Tea Area track and cross country coach Ryan Decker said Babb’s accomplishments extend far beyond her times and medals.

“We are so excited to see Jaycie continue her running career with a great program like Augustana University. She has been an incredible leader throughout her career at Tea Area. She is a 4-time team captain in cross country, a 5-time State Medalist, multiple-time All-Conference performer, a two-time All-State performer, and a two-time All-American selection,” Decker said.

He added that Babb’s presence has helped shape the culture of the Titans program.

“Her achievements go beyond her records though. She has been so vital to the growth of our program here at Tea and has built a positive team culture. As I told Coach Tanis at Augustana, Jaycie is the type of athlete that makes your program better in so many ways, many of them off the course/track. She is a great role model for younger athletes, a young woman of character and integrity who represents her school, community, and family so well. We are excited for her and will miss her presence on the team next season.”