RECORD-BREAKING TRACK AND

FIELD ATHLETE CALLS SPORT AN

OUTLET FOR TALENTS
FEBRUARY 13, 2020 THE STROUD COURIER SPORTS 0

Photo Courtesy/ Jalen Bailey Sophomore Jalen Bailey said he's started
running when he was only eight years old.
Jalen Rhodes 

Contributing Writer  

Sophomore Jalen Bailey, a Sport Management major at East Stroudsburg

University, and started running track when he was eight years old. His love
for the sport has grown as he has gotten older, and he enjoys the
competition that comes with it.

“I love track and field because it is an outlet option for me to showcase my

talents,” says Bailey.

Originally from Wilmington, DE., Bailey attended Alexis I DuPont High. There,
he was a two-time state champion in hurdles as well as a two-time national
champion in relay events.

Bailey’s passion for sports grew throughout high school. As a multisport

athlete, Bailey played football and basketball, in addition to running track
and field.
In his Junior year, Bailey focused primarily on track in order to help his team
reach and win the state championship.

After an impressive high school career bailey had a number of colleges and
universities reach out to him with offers, including East Stroudsburg
University.

“I picked ESU because I heard of the success they had in their hurdlers and I
only wanted to get better”, Bailey told the Courier. “Not only was the far
enough distance from home that I can still see my family when needed but,
this school just felt right”.

In his freshman year at ESU, Bailey put up outstanding numbers. He tied the
freshman indoor hurdle record set in 2007, broke the record for the freshman
4×200 meter relay and broke the freshman record for the indoor 200
meters; 4th all-time in school history.  Bailey also became a Pennsylvania
State Athletic Conference (PSAC) champion in the 4×100 meter relay and an
NCAA Provisional Indoor Qualifier.

“I enjoy going to practice because that it’s only going to make me better and
there is so much more I’d like to accomplish within this sport,” Bailey said.

He has already set a new personal record this season and hopes to set a new
one at the next big meet tomorrow on Staten Island.

Despite breaking his toe this past summer, Bailey’s goal is to qualify for
nationals for indoor hurdles this season.

Bailey’s success outside of the classroom has not prevented him from
excelling inside as well. He made the Dean’s List last semester and plans to
maintain his work ethic.

“My schoolwork comes before anything, I wouldn’t be where I am right now if

I wasn’t focused on my books,” Bailey said.

Although Bailey is still unsure of what he’d like to do after college, he is

certain he wants to work in the sports industry.

In his free time, Bailey enjoys shooting hoops and playing video games.

College athletics has taught him self-discipline and has provided him with
access to more resources. Athletically he hopes to get stronger and faster
and leave his mark on the track.

                                                                     
Email Jalen at: 
Jrhodes4@live.esu.edu