Despite this being her first year on the team, Jamie Shaffer, Woodland track hurdler, is currently the only girl going to states for both the 110 High Hurdle (HH) and 300 Intermediate Hurdle (IH) events.

Shaffer began running during the indoor season as an opportunity to become more active.

“I just wanted something to try out, so I tried all the different events,” said Shaffer. “I jumped a few hurdles and I really enjoyed it.”

Shaffer became better at the event by practicing.

“A lot of practice and a lot of mistakes [has got me to where I am],” said Shaffer.

Running times of 17.6 seconds on the 110 HH and 51.95 seconds on the 300 IH can not be accomplished easily and require motivation in order to achieve.

“Setting goals for myself keeps me motivated,” said Shaffer.

At the beginning of the season, Shaffer’s goal was to make NVLs and accomplished that at her first meet. In order to make NVLs, Shaffer needed a time of 21.0 seconds on the 110 HH and a time of 60.0 seconds on the 300 IH. Since she made NVLs so quickly, Shaffer soon made the new goal of running at states. Shaffer with a time of 18.0 seconds for the 110 HH and 53.24 for the 300 IH accomplished this at her third meet.

As Shaffer is the only female hurdler going to states, her new goal is to reach the school record for the 110 HH, of which she is only 1.37 seconds away from that title; Shaffer’s time being 17.6 seconds and the school record set at 16.23 seconds.

Hurdles are not the only event Shaffer has success running. She has also made states running the 4×100 Relay with a partner time of 52.2 seconds; the state requirement time 55.24 seconds.

Shaffer continues to work her hardest in order to accomplish her motivational track goals. She is preparing for NVL, held May 21, 2022, and States, held June 2, 2022.