Three Cleburne ISD athletes running in Texas Relays

Mar. 29—The 96th Annual Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays is one of the most prestigious track and field events offered for top high school athletes around the nation to compete in. Impressively, Cleburne High School is sending three of its own athletes to the big competition inside of Mike A. Meyers Stadium in Austin. Senior Jaiden Reed and junior Jeremiah McGilveary are taking part in the 110-meter hurdles event while freshman Jessilyn Wurster is competing in the 3200 meter run.

"I'm extremely excited and super proud for our athletes, especially our younger ones," Cleburne head track coach Tarrant Fuller said. "I know for Jessilyn being a freshman running in the 3200-meter event in Austin is kind of a big deal because it's a select group of athletes that get to go. ... Last year, we had Jaiden Reed go and this year we are getting two more to go. Each year, the goal is to add more, but for me personally, being able to showcase your talents this late in the season says a lot for our athletes who put in the work every single day. The work hard, they don't complain and the results speak for themselves."

For Wurster, who is in her first varsity season on the Cleburne track team, is grateful for all the support from her teammates along the way, who helped push and shape her into the athlete she is today.

"It's important as a freshman to do the best you can so you can stick out to colleges and they can notice you as you progress throughout high school," Wurster said. "I look up to Autumn, Emma and Gwen. Gwen works really hard in the weight room, Emma overcame an injury as a freshman, and they encourage me to work hard and have a positive attitude. Autumn is someone who is really fun to be around and I try to reflect her positive energy. We are both competitive with each other as freshmen, and it pushes us to go faster. We've ran together since the beginning in seventh grade, and her presence has helped push me to be faster."

For Reed, he hopes to make an impact with another shot at the Texas Relays after qualifying last year. Reed knows the importance of this event, not only because of the work he's put in, but for his football future as well.

"Last year, I just didn't show up — I ran a slow time and I just mentally wasn't there," Reed said. "Obviously, I was happy to be there, but I feel more mentally prepared. When football coaches have talked to me, they like hearing that I have a track background. I didn't think they would care about that stuff, but it's cool to compete in things like this because, just like in football, you have to do your job and win your matchups. I think it translates over really well from track to football."

McGilveary broke through this year as well, and he is looking to make the most of his opportunity with lofty goals.

"I hope to break my PR in this race, and I think that's important because of the competition we will be facing," McGilveary said. "It's a big deal because a lot of people don't make it here. It's a really hard event to qualify for, so I hope to do my best out there."

The Texas Relays began on Wednesday and concluded on Saturday with all events taking place in Austin.