By RYAN WALKER
Norwell’s track and field athlete Claire Bailey signed her letter of intent to run for Taylor University at the high school Wednesday morning.
The Knights senior has finished first in both hurdles events and will join teammate Jake Parker with the Trojans, who also runs hurdles.
Bailey noted that her two siblings also attended Taylor and enjoyed spending the night on campus and getting a glimpse of the students and life at a Trojan, which ultimately helped her make her decision.
“I really like the atmosphere of it, and the coach and the team are just super fun. I really like how they’re encouraging and including,” Bailey said.
Taylor is a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and competes in the Crossroads League. The Trojans over the weekend placed third at the conference championships behind the champion Marian and Indiana Wesleyan.
Bailey’s head coach Deidre Stoppenhagen and future head coach Derek Gay were in attendance at the signing, along with several members of her friends and family.
Before converting to the purple and gold, Bailey has more goals to achieve before graduation.
“I’m really hoping to go to state in the hurdles,” she said. “I’m ranked fourth right now and have to get third, so I’m close. Hopefully, I’ll get there.”
Last season, Bailey was eighth in the 300m hurdles and 11th in the 100m hurdles.
The first step will be at the sectional, which will take place at Marion High School on May 16.
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