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Sophomore Invited To Compete Down Under

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By SUZANNE M. SCHMIDT

IN THE LOOP

Published: February 4, 2009

After an impressive freshman year on the track team at Wesley Chapel High School, Shaniqua Hill is ready for a big adventure Down Under.

Hill, 16, was invited to the International Sports Specialists Down Under Sports Tournament in Australia after her performance in last year's Florida state finals. But, before she can go on the adventure of a lifetime, she will need to raise $4,595.

The trip is set for June 26 to July 6 with a few days spent in Hawaii training before taking off to Australia for more training and other activities leading up to the big event. She is hoping to be able to bring her mother, Penny Clardy, which will add another $4,595 to the total cost.

"I definitely want to go to support my daughter," Clardy said. "None of her actual coaches will be able to go. I want to be there to watch her and to be able to cheer her on. There is nothing like having family to support you."

Hill competes on the track and field team in the 100 meter hurdles, 300 meter hurdles, the 4-by-400 and the 4-by-100 relay events.

"I like to run because I feel free," Hill said. "When I run, I don't have a lot on my mind. I like feeling the air on my face. I also love to jump the hurdles because I am short and the hurdles are almost my height so people underestimate me. It is a lot of fun."

Even though the thought of being able to compete against people from all over the world excites her, Hill said she is really looking forward to getting to see Australia and Hawaii.

"I want to see some kangaroos and some koala bears," Hill said. "I will also get to run with people from Australia, the Netherlands, and New Zealand."

Hill is training extra hard this year with her coaches because she said she wants to break records. In February, Hill started training to try to beat the county record for the 300 meter hurdles. When she started her time was 56.35 seconds but by the time May rolled around she was at 46.46 seconds.

"I like to set goals and then push myself to meet those goals," Hill said. "If I break it, I will be extraordinarily happy but if I don't I have two years."

Clardy said she is proud of what her daughter has been able to achieve so far and she is looking forward to seeing what will happen next.

"I am proud of her and overwhelmed sometimes," Clardy said. "I used to run myself when I was her age but she is about three to four minutes faster then I was."

Last year, Hill competed at conference, district, regional and state competitions in hurdles. She said this year her coach Kristi Frye has inspired her so she is running up bleachers, jumping rope, running with a tire around her waist in addition to rigorously practicing her hurdles.

"My coach wants a lot from me, but I make sure I get there to that point," Hill said "She works with me to be a better hurdler and she is trying to get me to do the high jump. I am going to try my best to do it but it is not going to be easy. It is great because at track meets, she really motivates me. If I don't meet her expectations she won't be mad at me but she will keep pushing me."

Frye said she has high aspirations for Hill this year.

"Shaniqua has the potential to be a great athlete," Frye said. "Last year, she came on like I have never seen an athlete do before. To be able to go to state as a freshman is impressive. I am hoping that this year she will be the girl to beat in the county. She definitely has the potential to be on the medal stands at state more than once this year."

For donations, call (813) 325-2575 or e-mail Clardy at redeyepanther2003@yahoo.com.

Reporter Suzanne M. Schmidt can be reached at (813) 948-4288 or sschmidt@mediageneral.com.

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