(Photo by Cedric Gillette)
Any time a high school student takes on the role of being a student athlete, you'll find a person who is dedicated, determined and driven. Those words truly describe Hallandale High School's track and field standout Kimani Rushing. As her freshman season concluded, Kimani Rushing decided to commit herself entirely to the sport of track and field. She trained hard on the track and even harder in the classroom. She would be the last student to leave daily study hall sessions and she would be the last athlete off the track because she had the largest workload being a sprinter, hurdler and jumper.
As she improved her times and marks during her sophomore season, she made the decision to take additional online classes to put herself in a position to graduate early if the opportunity ever presented itself. While most track athletes competed several times during the summer she limited her summer running schedule to focus on her course work. Then after her amazing junior season where she became a 5-time state champion and posted several National elite times and marks, she was on the priority recruit list of several Division 1 programs across the country. Going into the summer of her senior season, the opportunity she prepared for had finally presented itself. After speaking with her parents and coaches, she came to the conclusion that she accomplished pretty much everything she wanted to on the high school level and she was ready to embrace a new challenge on the collegiate stage.
"Losing someone like Kimani Rushing is a tough loss because her relationship with our program goes far beyond the track. She was a motivator, leader and mentor to her teammates and others in our community" stated coach Battle. "As a program, we love all of our athletes and any time one them leaves the nest, it definitely effects our program. She's worth more than the possible 40 points that she could win at any given time at any meet in the country. She was priceless because of her character and integrity. She has grown to be a daughter to the Charger family. She embodied the true spirit of what our Hallandale High School Track & Field program represents #ChargerPride" said coach Battle.
In 2016 the defending state champions has a young team that has some big shoes to fill. "We are conditioning their minds to run in the footsteps of last year's team," stated Coach Calvin Golson. Losing several top performers from last year's state championship team, along with Kimani Rushing, is without a doubt a major blow in the grand scheme of things for the Charger program; but the future still looks bright with the new group of lady chargers. Led by seniors Tia Strackman, Tatiana Strackman and Deriel Green, junior Keausha Bradley-Macklin, sophomores Amani Heaven, Keisha Jean-Pierre, Takira Williams, Kerra Williams, and Freshmen Destiny Castillo, Essence Cooper, Aryana Golson and Dynah James.
Coach Battle is hoping that someone from his 2016 team embraces this opportunity to step into the spotlight and shine like Lamisha Simmons (University of Nebraska), Briana Pollock (Bethune Cookman University), Chanel Freeman (University of Nebraska), Aisha Nelson (University of Alabama-Birmingham) and Kimani Rushing (University of Florida) all did in 2015. With Kimani Rushing no longer a factor for the 2016 hurdle title the race for the crown has begun. Does Hallandale have someone who can compete for the state title in the hurdles? "As for who will be the front-runner for the 2A hurdle crown, that has yet to be revealed and we look forward to competing for that event title just like everyone else Coach Battle.
At Hallandale High School we were blessed to have a talented young lady such as Kimani Rushing grace our presence. She's a once in a lifetime type of athlete who left a legacy of excellence behind. Her time with us was precious and she will be greatly missed. As she moves on to the next chapter of her career, she knows the expectation we have for her and she must represent the Lady Chargers by maintaining high academic standards and most of all by continuing to "Change The Oil."
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