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In this article, Tia talks about Rylee Hayes and her accomplishments in Track and Field.
Rylee Hayes: track and field
Rylee Hayes: track and field
By Tia Jones
By Tia Jones
Rylee Hayes is a 9th grade Javelin thrower at Grant Pass High School. In the 2026 track season, she is throwing the furthest in the state of Oregon. Her early success has set her up for college in the future.
Photo of Rylee in the 200 m. race at Sheldon High School, taken by Tia Jones
Hayes is a part of the Grants Pass High School Track and Field team, throwing varsity 600g Aero Javelin with a personal best of 106 feet and 5 inches, placing her as the first-place female freshman in division 6A for the whole state of Oregon. With this impressive rank in the state comes hard work, not only during scheduled practice hours but also at home by herself. Many know the dedication and effort that Hayes puts into Track and Field. But what about her history and where she started?
Hayes went to North Middle School for all three years, but she joined track because, when she ran cross country in sixth grade, the coaches told her to join. Over the years, track has started to become more and more of a passion for her, not only because she is getting better every day, but also because it is a place where she can escape from reality and just be her true self. Each day and each year, her progress is showing through her confidence and her throws. Hayes broke all three school records in middle school for the Girls' 450g Aero Javelin. She ended middle school with a throw that was 105 feet and 7 inches! To this day, nobody has broken any of her set records and, fortunately for her, nobody is even close.
Photo of Rylee throwing a warm up in discus at Sheldon High School, taken by Tia Jones
Photo of Rylee about to run the 200 m race at Shelodon High School, taken by Tia Jones
Coming into high school, Hayes was confident and ready for track to start, with many goals set in her mind. One of her big aims was to hit 100 feet, which she finally did. Pn April 25, 2026 at the 87th Annual Medford Rotary Relays, she threw the farthest she has ever thrown, at 106 feet and 5 inches in the 600g Aero Javelin. By achieving over 100 feet, she threw herself into the #1 spot in the state for freshman girls. Knowing that she is in first place, she feels great. It has always been a dream for her to be in the #1 spot for her favorite track event. She has so much appreciation for all of her track coaches who have helped her to get where she is today.
Hayes said her biggest inspiration is Tia Jones because they are best friends and she gives her so much more confidence to try harder and throw super hard. Hayes dreams of going to the University of Oregon for Track and Field because it is her favorite college and she is inspired by all of their teamwork. Watching their track meets online and competing on their home track makes her feel like she is already somehow a part of their team.
Sources:
Sources:
Interview with Rylee Hayes
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