The state of Florida has always been predominantly known for producing top-notch football talent. Despite its favored reputation, the recent success of
North Broward Prep (Coconut Creek, Fla.) track and field star Jerimy Strainge paves the way for athletes in other sports to gain national recognition.
Strainge, a sophomore, capped an undefeated season for the Eagles last year after winning the Class 2A state championship in both the 100 meters (10.66 seconds) and 200 (21.38). The standout sprinter also became the first Florida freshman to sweep the sprints at states since the legendary Houston McTear did it in 1973. McTear was the only other freshman to win both sprints, and the only boy to win four straight state titles (1973-76).
Despite the comparison, Strainge understands that he must take it "day by day" and feels that this year will be completely different.
"I'm not worried about last year," he said. "I focus on running my race and not who I'm running against. I'm focused on being more competitive this year and working hard."
Should he continue at this pace, Strainge, who was the Miami Herald's Broward Boys Track Athlete of the Year last season, could join McTear as one of the top sprinters in Florida history. The notion of a very promising future on the track is the main reason why Strainge, a former safety for the Eagles, decided to hang up his cleats and take his game off the field.
"I love playing football," he said. "But I have some big-time goals that I'd like to accomplish on the track and I felt like completely dedicating myself to running is the best way to do it."
A native of Delray Beach, Fla., Strainge secured his spot as one of the country's top sprinters last season after posting the sixth-fastest time in the nation, and a personal record in the 200 (21.16). Along with his time in the 200, Strainge also had the fastest 100 time (10.54) of any freshman in the country.
It seems as though the standout sophomore's decision to stop playing football is already producing major results for him on the track. This season, Strainge set a personal record in the 100 with a time of 10.49 at an Invitational in Miramar, Fla., and in the 200 after running a 21.12 at an event in Tampa, Fla.
"I worked a lot on my physical strength in the offseason," he said. "My goals are to beat all my PRs this year and own the state record in the 100 and 200."
Strainge's hard word and dedication will not go unnoticed this season as he is already continuing his dominance throughout the state. Despite all the success thus far, the young phenom gives much of the credit to his family and coaches.
"My family means a lot to me," he said. "When I'm in the blocks I always think of how I represent them in all I do, even outside of track. My coaching staff has been real supportive of me too. Coach Hicks is like a second father to me. Everything I've learned from him is like a life lesson."
The sky will be the limit for this young man. In his first year at North Broward Prep, he made national noise and then claimed his throne among some of the state's top sprinters. Having already proved his worth amongst the best in the country, Strainge is indeed reaching for the stars with his hopes and aspirations.
"I'm looking into the Junior National Team," he said. "I mean, I'm focused on my goals for this season but representing the United States in the Olympics is something that I dream of. But before I can even think that far ahead, I must do what I have to do now in order to be ready for when that time comes."
