By Kyle LoJacono
A school record, two district championships and a pair of state track and field medals.
That’s what Hallie Grimes has achieved in just two years running the 400 meters for the Land O’ Lakes track and field team.
“When I came here for my freshman year I didn’t know how good I’d be,” Grimes said. “When I started, people told me I was going to go to states, and I didn’t even know what that was. When I got there it was such a big thing, bigger than any other meet I’d been in.”
The two-time state medalist exploded onto the track scene as a freshman with a district title and a fifth-place showing at the Class 3A final (58.30 seconds).
She followed up last season by adding her first Sunshine Athletic Conference championship, claming another district crown and taking sixth (56.93) at states.
What the junior has already accomplished rivals most four-year seniors, but Grimes is out for even greater achievements this season.
“I’ve been working a lot more on strength — upper body, core and legs,” Grimes said. “Last year it was mostly just cardio. I’m feeling a lot stronger, so I think that’ll be a big help.”
Rock Ridgeway, who has been the Gators coach for 17 years, said Grimes will also be more prepared to run against the best in Florida after competing in AAU events during the summer.
“That gave her an idea of what the other girls in the state are like, and also people from different states coming in,” Ridgeway said. “It’s a little bit higher level of competition than she’s used to, so that helped push her more.”
Grimes said she does feel pressure to improve her times, but added that she’s ready for the challenge.
“My goal is to get 55 or sub 55,” Grimes said. “My freshman year I got 57, and then last year I got 56. I’ve been working really hard to fulfill that.”
Running a 55 would break the school record she set by running a 56.87 during the prelims at states last season.
Grimes established herself as one of the state’s elite 400 runners, which is something she didn’t anticipate when she picked up track as an seventh-grader at Ben Hill Middle in Carrollwood.
“I only ran the 400 once in middle school, but I got first place,” Grimes said. “I didn’t expect to be running the 400 in high school, but I think it’s perfect for me. … For the 100, I get out too slow. It takes me awhile to catch up. With the 400, I can kick things up in the last 200.”
Grimes grew up playing multiple sports, including softball, basketball and volleyball. She also became a cheerleader at age 5 and has been on the Gators’ varsity roster since her freshman year.
“Getting to states as a freshman and then again last year showed me that track is my best sport,” Grimes said. “I did so many different things, and I really didn’t think track would be my best one at first, but now I’m sure.”
Ridgeway said Grimes’ ability always stood out.
“From the first couple of days of practice her freshman year you could tell she was a special athlete and a special person,” Ridgeway said. “She’s always been very self-motivated. I’ve had to push her a little bit, but not much. I give her the workouts, and she does them.”
Grimes said she plans on running the 400 faster from the start this year instead of saving herself for the last 200 meters. Ridgeway is also planning to enter her in a new event.
“I really think she’s going to be moved up to the 800 in college,” Ridgeway said. “We’re going to have her do the 4×800 or the open 800 because she has the speed and the endurance.”
Ridgeway predicts the combination of events will help make her the first athlete he’s trained with four state appearances.
“She’s one of the best I’ve ever had,” Ridgeway said. “I’ve had some really good ones. Reta and Nicole Woodard got to states multiple times, and then Reta won a national championship in college. I’m really fortunate that Hallie decided to come here.”
Land O’ Lakes will compete at the Class 3A-District 6 meet at Wiregrass Ranch April 16, followed by regionals at Leto April 24 and states May 3 at the University of North Florida.
—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker
