Galena Park High School junior Hunter James is advancing to the 5A area meet in the 110-meter hurdles, 300-meter hurdles and the triple jump. James’ strongest event of the three is the 110-meter hurdles which he placed first place with a time of 16.10. James placed third in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 43.32 and second in the triple jump after jumping 40 feet 5 inches.
“He’s been around track and field his whole life, but he’s only been competing on a team since 7th grade,” said Galena Park head track coach Jonathan James.
Coach James, head coach and father to Hunter, was a standout track star at North Shore High School before attending Stephen F. Austin, where he competed for four years.
“I’m more of a track coach than a football coach,” said Coach James. “Growing up, Hunter has always been around the practice and with all the training and different hurdle drills, I put him on the little hurdles when he was smaller.”
Hunter is a multi-sport athlete in football, basketball and track. He credits the competitive nature of competing for his drive.
“Competing and going against other schools inspired me to dedicate myself to the craft. Before the gun goes off, I lock in and keep my mind clear, and as soon as I hear the gun, I’m off,” said Hunter.
Hunter James
IG: @hunter_james_06
Twitter: @HunterJamesGP
Races: 110-meter hurdles, 300-meter hurdles, 4×400 relay, pole vault, triple jump
Height & weight: 5-feet-10, 155 pounds
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite artist: Giveon
Favorite subject: U.S. History
Shout-outs: Dad, family, friends
Last season as a sophomore, Hunter made it to regionals in the 110-meter hurdles, but that’s where his season ended.
“I learned I needed to work even harder to compare to everyone else on that level,” said Hunter.
“His strength just wasn’t there, during the off-season we stressed weight room. That’s been the key for him this season in the 110-meter hurdles getting stronger in the weight room,” said his father.
Hunter took to the off-season and worked on explosive workouts, alternating days with lower body and upper body workouts, oftentimes going four days a week.
“Lots of lifting, running, protein shakes, just doing the necessary things to get better every day,” said Hunter.
This season Hunter’s personal best in the 110-meter hurdles is 15.93. Unlike other runners he doesn’t focus on specific hurdlers, rather he enjoys watching all the races.
While interested in studying economics in college, Hunter hopes to continue his running at a school that has high academic standards and a winning culture.
“I’m interested in economics because that’s where businesses are started and it’s also a very high entry-level way to make a lot of money,” said Hunter.
When looking back to inspire the next group of upcoming runners Hunter recalls the advice given to him by his dad.
“You have to work hard to get everything you got,” said Hunter.
