Cleburne’s Jaiden Reed will be among the competitors in the boys’ 110-meter hurdles at this weekend’s Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays taking place at The University of Texas.

                Reed will be running solo for the Jackets, after qualifying for the annual college and high school event considered a premier competition involving the top track and field athletes in the state and nation. He posted a qualifying time of 15:10 and has continued to shave seconds off that with a new PR of 15:02.

                “Every coach wishes for the ideal athlete, regardless of the sport,” Head Track Coach Tarrant Fuller said. “Jaiden is ‘that guy.’ He exemplifies everything you want in a student-athlete. He shows up every day with a positive attitude—and a smile. His work ethic is second to none. There’s no complaining, and he’s extremely respectful and considerate.”

                The CHS junior is experiencing his first track season with the Jackets and has also competed in the 100-meter dash, 4 X 100 and 4 X 200 relays and the 300-meter hurdles. Cleburne football fans will see him on the field in the fall.

                “I first heard about the Texas Relays last year, and made it a goal,” Reed said. “When I came to Cleburne in January, I talked with Coach Fuller about it. This is a big opportunity and hopefully will get me some exposure with college coaches.”

                “I wasn’t expecting to be this competitive in the 110 hurdles,” he said. “I did really well in the 300 hurdles last year. It’s very cool that I have this chance to compete. I’m not nervous. You just get it done—you know what you’ve got to do. You just work for it and do your best.”

                Tai Shelton, who coaches the hurdles, uses words like accountable, hard worker and courteous in describing Reed as a competitor and student in the classroom.

                “Jaiden is always present at practice and never misses,” she said. “He encourages his fellow teammates and pushes them to be the best they can be. He is accountable. Most importantly he is an excellent student in the classroom—his grades are great. I get numerous comments on him from his teachers. He is one of our most courteous athletes.”

                Reed will compete in preliminary races on Friday afternoon. The top ten runners will advance to Saturday’s finals.

                He and his coaches are looking forward to his performance at the Texas Relays—with the 4-5A District Meet coming up quickly.

                “Texas Relays takes the best of the best in all of Texas for the high school division,” Fuller said. “His achievement in qualifying for the 110 Hurdles is a direct result of who Jaiden is. I know it was a goal for him as he began the season, so I’m excited for him to have the opportunity to showcase his talent and represent our school. I’m super excited he’s a part of the Jacket Nation—and I get him for another year.”