KINGSVILLE, Texas — Kingsville is home to one of the fastest hurdlers in the nation. Jasiah Rivera had a few obstacles to overcome when picking his college commitment, but he officially signed with Texas A&M University.
"There's so much to improve on like you know the start, there's over the hurdles, in between the hurdles and that's really it for me," Rivera said. "It's satisfying because it's a rhythm that I get into and I really like being in that rhythm."
During Rivera's junior campaign, he won gold in the 300 meters at the UIL 4A State Meet and second in the 110. A year later, his dedication did not go unnoticed. Officially signing with Texas A&M University track and field, a Division 1 program in the SEC.
"It's a very family vibe. I felt very comforted and felt welcomed," Rivera said. "The coaches are obviously amazing and they have the great facilities."
As the outdoor high school season district meet approaches, Rivera has earned the opportunity to showcase his indoor talent in the 60 meter hurdles one more time at Nike Indoor Nationals in New York. Earlier this school-year, Jasiah held the nation's fastest time, 7.6 seconds, but was recently passed by Ja'Shaun Lloyd who was faster by a tenth of a second. Rivera can get redemption this weekend.
"It's super fun, but it also elevates my own time because I know racing against him at the A&M meet really elevated me to run that time," Rivera said.
H.M King hurdler JB Kazanjian has one of the fastest indoor 60 meter times for freshmen in the nation, under 9 seconds, earning her a spot in the Nike Indoor Nationals in New York. Most underclassmen compete in Emerging Elite, but her time bumped her up to the Championship Division. Changing her mindset has helped her adjust to the high school level speed.
"I think really my mentality has changed. I get into a spot where I just get really comfortable, so I think this year has been really about getting comfortable with getting uncomfortable," Kazanjian said. "I'm not going to settle and in-between I'm really going to focus on getting to the next hurdle you know."
Nike Indoor Nationals prelims for JB in the girls 60 meter hurdles are set for Friday, March 14 and Rivera will compete on Saturday. Both of them are in the Championship division.
