ATHLETE OF THE ISSUE

Junior track athlete holds school record

Charli Esposito | Web and Social Media Manager

Four-year old Noah Straley sat in front of his TV and watched as Jamaican track star Usain Bolt became the world’s fastest man on Aug. 9, 2008 at the Beijing Olympics, running the fastest 100m and 200m ever.

Now a junior, Straley has been a varsity track and field athlete since his freshman year. He tried out for the team because of his interest in “being the fastest man in the world.”

He dreamed of following in the footsteps of Bolt after seeing him on TV all those years ago.

“I wanted to be just as fast as him [Bolt]… one day faster,” Straley said. Straley specifically trains and competes in the 100m, 200m, 400m and the long jump for BK.

Outside of school, he is a competitor for Top End Track Club. Through club competitions, Straley earned the All-American award by winning third place at the Junior Olympics with a long jump of 6.28m, according to AAUsports.org.

When he is training during the on and off seasons, he targets improving his “physical running power… [my] efficiency and speed, when I run,” Straley said.

He won the National Championship for his age group with a meet and personal record.

As of May 8, Straley holds the BK record for the long jump with a stat of 6.98 meter jump.

“I want to make my people proud, like my mom and friends,” Straley said. “And I enjoy the rush of winning.”

Becoming a high school track star has taught him hard work and determination.

“It’s taught me about the ups and downs of winning and losing,” Straley said. “My teammates taught me how to stay out of my head before a meet.”

He plans to pursue college athletics as his main goal during his senior year. His top schools include LSU and University of Houston, and he hopes to receive full scholarships for his athletic abilities.

In addition to athletics, Straley has been a part of NJROTC since freshman year, a leadership program designed to develop self-discipline and confidence.

“NJROTC has taught me a lot of lessons that will hopefully help me later in life,” Straley said. “Especially with my dedication and discipline with running track.”

If Straley’s athletic abilities bring success, he would like to train for the Olympics.

“Of course I’d like to be in the Olympics,” Straley said. “That’s an elite runner’s ultimate goal...winning gold, of course.”

According to FoxSports. com, track and field is one of the most competitive sports in the Olympics.

“[I] will have to put in lots of work and years of determination to get there, [but] it will all be worth it for the rush of running and winning a medal.”

Straley’s running career has just started, yet has already won national titles, made personal records and made his four-year-old self “proud of where I’ve ran so far.”

Junior Noah Straley mock setting up on the block to take off for a race. Below photo illustration progression of Straley in a long jump.