Hamilton Township High School student, Halaya Woodson, placed in the top ten for both discus and shot put at the OHSAA Division One State Track and Field Championship for the 2021 season.
Current Junior, Halaya, joined the Track and Field team during middle school, and began throwing in 7th grade. She has been training with Coach Aaron O’Reilly, and preparing for this moment since she started high school.
“Halaya is a great leader in and out of the ring. She is always positive and a blast to coach,” explained Coach Aaron O’Reilly. “Her performance throughout the season was a steady uphill climb. She is always wanting to get better and is an extremely coachable athlete! She has a great support group around her as well to help keep her motivated.”
Halaya not only placed third in state for discus, and tenth in state for shot put, but she also accomplished a personal record at the state meet in shot put with a 39 foot throw. Her placements make her the highest Division One placing field event athlete in HTHS history.
“We have already begun our discussion on goal setting for next year.” explained Head Track and Field Coach, Adam Beggrow. “We went this entire season with no weight training and I think that lifting is what is going to bring Halaya to the next level. It is not an unrealistic goal for her to be a state champion in the 2022 season.”
Outside of the ring, Halaya is an exemplary student and a great role model at HTHS. She is a member of National Honors Society, French National Honors Society, Chamber Choir, Marching Band, Pep Band, French Club, and is a member of the Ambassador Program. She participates in musicals, indoor and outdoor Track and Field, and helps with the HTHS Soccer program.
Halaya’s advice to younger athletes? “Don't compare yourself to other throwers. You are able to do what your body and mentality will let you. If you want to get better, continue to practice, but never compare yourself to anyone else. Also, have fun with it. This will allow you to stay positive.”
Congrats, Halaya, on such a great achievement! HLSD can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.