Making the jump

The sport of running involves more technique than most people probably know. It is not just running down the track as fast as you can.

Some of the running events require a different degree of technique. One of those events is the hurdles.

With the amount of technique needed to be competitive in the hurdles the learning curve is great. For most who compete in the event, there is a significant period of time for simply learning the trade. Few can jump right in and be among the best.

One local prep runner is one of those very few.

Colony sophomore Justin Schwartzbauer has leaped into the group of the state's premiere runners in the hurdles. In just his second year running the hurdles, Schwartzbauer already has a pair of top three finishes.

Schwartzbauer won the Wasilla Invitational and placed third in the Skyview Invite in the 300-meter hurdles.

Last season Schwartzbauer finished third in the Region III meet and 11th in the state championships.

The Colony High track and field coaching staff feel that Schwartzbauer is on the verge of making an impact in the state.

"He has made a lot of progress," Colony track coach Cathe Rhodes said. "He has natural ability."

"He is very coachable and understands the importance of technique," Rhodes added. "He is most definitely a contender."

Schwartzbauer noted that he is already seeing his progress.

"Last year I did not really know what to expect," Schwartzbauer said. "I am learning the little things and that has got me farther."

Schwartzbauer had participated in track prior to trying the hurdles. As a junior high student, Schwartzbauer focused on the sprints.

The Colony sophomore also participates in the running events.

"He is a very unselfish athlete," Rhodes said. "We asked him to run in the 4x400. He had never done that before."

Schwartzbauer is a multi-sport athlete for the Knights. The sophomore is also a member of the Knight varsity football and basketball squads.

Schwartzbauer and the Knights will be competing in the Palmer Relays this weekend.