CINCINNATI - Taylor Beard, an incoming freshman for the University of Cincinnati track & field program, recently broke the Virginia state record in the high jump as part of an outstanding weekend competing in the Virginia Region 4C meet in Winchester, Va., a weekend that saw her not only break the previous record, but add four individual crowns and a runner-up finish as well. In the high jump, Beard, who is a senior at John Handley High School, cleared 6-0.50 (1.84m) to break the previous state record of 6-0.25 (1.83m) that was set 43 years ago.
With her clearance in the high jump, which also was her second 6' clearance of the year, Beard moved up to #1 among all high school senior girls this year and ranks #3 overall in the nation as she qualified to the state meet where she will look to defend the crowns she won in each of the past two seasons after placing second as a freshman. The Virginia state meet will take place May 31-June 1 at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.
// IN HER OWN WORDS
Ahead of the start of the state meet, Beard spoke with GoBearcats.com and had this to say:
On clearing 6-feet and breaking the state record that had stood for 43 years:
"(It feels) absolutely amazing! I've had the goal of clearing six feet for three years. It taught me patience, but the outcome was more rewarding. Breaking the record makes me feel like I can accomplish anything and it makes me determined to break bigger records. I feel extremely blessed!"
On her plans for the summer following the state meet:
"I still have track meets lined up over the summer, so I will be training and competing. Other than that, I hope to improve on myself mentally, physically and spiritually. I also plan to travel and create more memories with loved ones."
On coming to Cincinnati and why she chose to become a Bearcat:
"I chose Cincinnati because I felt in my heart that it is the place for me. Taking a walk on campus and seeing the training facilities all made it much more clear. The coaching staff truly cares for the student-athletes! UC also has an amazing early childhood education program! I am looking forward to getting to campus, meeting new people and having a great track season!"
// MORE TO COME
Before Beard can get to her summer competitions, she has plenty of work ahead of her at the state meet. On May 31, she will take part in three individual events, including the prelims of the 100m hurdles, the finals of the high jump and the finals of the triple jump. She enters the meet ranked #1 in the state in both jumping events. Then, on Saturday, she is slated to run in the final of the 100m hurdles (should she advance from Friday's prelims), the final of the 300m hurdles and the long jump final.
To get to the state meet, Beard placed in the Top 2 in all five events with victories in four at the regional competition. Additionally, she recorded a personal-best mark in all five events as well. On the track, she ran 15.29 and 44.63 to win the 100m hurdles and 300m hurdles, respectively. Along with her win in the high jump, she won the triple jump with a PR of 39-05.25 (12.02m) and took second in the long jump with a PR of 18-03.00 (5.56m).
// CURRENT CATS
Five current members of the UC program are currently preparing for their final collegiate meet of the season as the NCAA Finals will take place next week (June 5-8) in Austin, Texas. Annette Echikunwoke (hammer and shot put) and freshman Caisja Chandler (200m) both will compete in individual events with Chandler joining Faith Banks, Haisha Bisiolu and Tiona Lattimore in the 4x100m relay.
T&F Signee Taylor Beard Breaks Virginia State High Jump Record
Taylor Beard, an incoming freshman for the University of Cincinnati track & field program, recently broke the Virginia state record in the high jump as part of an outstanding weekend competing in the Virginia Region 4C meet in Winchester, Va., a weekend that saw her not only break the previous record, but add four individual crowns and a runner-up finish as well.
