Going Green

Published 11:33 pm Saturday, July 17, 2010

PROCTORVILLE — When Jordan Aldridge runs a race, it doesn’t take a lot of time.

So signing a letter-of-intent to run track with the Marshall Thundering Herd bought her some more time to run those quick races.

The Fairland Lady Dragons track standout usually made quick work of her opponents in the 100-meter hurdles while also running on the 4×100-meter relay team and high jumping.

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Now she can try to get even faster and work quickly for the Lady Herd.

“I just try to think about the race. I tune everything out. I’ve got 15 seconds — at least I hope it’s 15 seconds or less — to race,” said Aldridge.

She entertained offers from Eastern Kentucky and Ohio University before Marshall coach Jeff Small gave her a chance to run for the Herd.

“I definitely have to train harder,” said Aldridge. “I’ll have a hurdle coach all the time. I don’t think I have to run the 4×1 or high jump, but they haven’t said. I do better when I can focus on one race.”

Running track at Marshall will be different in more ways than one. The Herd doesn’t have its own track facility, something that Aldridge said she will have to overcome when practicing.

“I’ll be going to a lot of new places, so I’ll just be on the road seeing other places when I train,” said Aldridge.

Aldridge put together quite a resume to take with her to Marshall.

School record holder in 100M hurdles (14.91 seconds)

Three-time state meet participant in 100M hurdles (7th in 2010, 3rd place 2009, 15th 2008)

All-Ohio 2009

1st place 100M hurdles in 2009 regionals, 2nd place 2010 regionals

All-OVC four years

All-District four years

Fairland team high point winner four years

Member Fairland 4x100M record-holding relay team (51.53 seconds)

Qualified for NIKE Indoor National Meet in Boston (2009)

3rd place 100M hurdles Jesse Owens Classic (2010)

Aldridge attributes a lot of her success at Fairland to coach Darah Snyder who gave her the confidence and technique training to help her obtain success.

Snyder said Aldridge should do well at the next level.

“When she trains year-round and lifts weights, it’ll help her speed,” said Snyder. “She works hard on technique. She was a team leader and was always a hard worker.

“Jordan has a lot of natural talent and ability. She didn’t high jump until her junior year of high school and she went 5-feet. That’s pretty good. If she trains year-round, she’ll do well because track is about technique and she is good about executing the right form.”

Aldridge is looking forward to competing at the next level.

“I’m excited. I don’t really have any goals. I’ve got to wait and see,” said Aldridge. “They have some older hurdlers back. I just want to participate. Just being around people as good or better will help me.”

Aldridge is considering physical therapy as a major.