By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

SWEET HOME, Ore.–  Sheridan’s Chloe Ayala made a name for herself as a freshman last year when the Spartan sprinter qualified for the 2A State Meet.  Finishing fifth in the 100-meter dash.

Fast forward to this Spring, the now-sophomore has worked her way into the premier 1A-4A Track Meet in the Meet oF Champions at Sweet Home High School Saturday in the event.  An event that she finished sixth in as she prepares for possibly another State push, this time at the 3A level with Sheridan.

And it all starts with her mindset, points Ayala.

“Just having a better mindset.  Just wanting to be better, sometimes I don’t feel like that and want to mess around at practice.  But I just want to get into that mindset in my mind and in my head to want to get stronger and better,” Ayala said.

Ayala became the first Spartan since 2019 when Josh Rogers (100-meters, Kaden Eggers (400-meters, Triple Jump) and Taylor Huffman (Javelin) to qualify for the meet and first Spartan girl since Sheridan Track Legend Ronni VanZant in 2018 to make it to the big meet.  And though she was the lone Spartan to be at the meet this time around, it’s still a pretty cool experience.

“It’s really an accomplishment you know?  It feels great to represent Sheridan and doing good as a sophomore.  I’m just happy to be here,” Ayala said. 

Photos By Jeremy McDonald