Blanco senior Ashtyn Hunt recently signed a commitment to compete in high jump for the track and field team at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona, Florida.
The Embry-Riddle Eagles participate in NCAA Division II intercollegiate sports in the Peach Belt Conference. The 12-member conference is comprised of schools in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
Hunt participated in the Blanco varsity track program all four years of high school. Her freshman year she finished the season with a personal record of 4’10”.
“I had originally not taken high jump all that serious, as I figured I would not excel in it,” said Hunt.
She continued jumping her sophomore year and surprised herself with a new personal record of 5”2”.
“After I cleared 5’2” and received my first gold medal, I decided to start working harder,” Hunt said.
The hard work paid off as she then finished her junior year with a new personal record of 5’6”, while also setting a new Blanco High School record. Hunt claimed first place jumps in every pre-district meet in the 2019 season, as well as earning the District and Area champion titles. She advanced to Regional, where her streak was broken. This spring she was ready to conquer her senior season with a plan to place at State. But the 2020 track season ended abruptly for everyone due to COVID-19.
Blanco track coach Jane Karnes is pleased with Hunt’s hard work.
“It has been amazing to watch the progress that Ashtyn has made in the high jump. She went from a 5’0” jumper to a 5’6” jumper last season, which put her with the top jumpers in the state,” Karnes said. “Her dedication to workouts and her desire to be the best has allowed her to maximize her talent. I’m disappointed she wasn’t able to have the chance to finish out her senior season, but I’m very excited she will have more opportunities to jump in college. I am excited to see how she does at the next level and proud of her and her record setting moments here in Blanco.”
Hunt also expressed her feelings about her senior season, including a positive thought for the future.
“I am sad I didn’t get to finish out my last year with Blanco, but I am excited to continue in a Blue and Gold jersey at Embry,” she said.
At a gathering last week to celebrate Hunt’s signing, BHS Principal Keitha St. Clair stated, “Ashtyn is one of the most fierce and fearless girls I know. I have no doubt that she will achieve whatever she sets out to accomplish. I’m so proud of her.”
Hunt is the daughter of WT and April Hunt. Following graduation from Blanco May 29, Hunt will begin her studies in the Summer B Aeronautical Science Program starting June 30. This is a four year program. Hunt plans to pursue her dream career as a commercial aviator. She has already begun taking steps toward this dream, completing her first solo flight May 13.
Hunt really jumped high as a Blanco Panther, but now she will jump high, and fly high, as an Embry-Riddle Eagle.
