CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – For William ‘Jax’ Hardy, track and field was initially just a casual pursuit. During middle school, he dabbled in the sport but didn’t immediately excel, leaning more towards his passion for basketball.
As Hardy transitioned into high school, his athletic options began to narrow. While opportunities in other sports faded, his talent in hurdling started to shine, offering a promising path forward.
Now, Hardy is gearing up for a significant milestone in his athletic journey. He is set to compete in the IHSA boys’ state track and field meet in Charleston, having qualified in three challenging events. Despite tough competition at the 3A sectional in Bloomington, Hardy secured his place in the 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, and the 4×400 meter relay.
Additional Highlights/Scores: Updates on sectional soccer and softball, regional baseball
Highlights/scores: Sectional soccer and softball, regional baseball
“It has taken a lot of effort, a lot of dedication,” Hardy said of the multi-year process which has seen his evolution as a runner. “When I started, I started club track in the summer, like after my sophomore year. So I’ve been doing track all year around, even in off season, winter training. I’d say it’s just taken a whole bunch of dedication and determination to get to where I am today.”
He went state as a junior in 2025, but only in the 110 hurdles, and failed to make finals.
This time around, the future Wisconsin-Oshkosh runner has high hopes.
- 110 hurdles: He hopes to run under 14 seconds and finish top five. Hardy clocked a personal best 14.11 in this event at the Maroons’ sectional meet.
- 300 hurdles: He wants to run in the 37 second range, which would require a personal best after running 39.31 at sectionals, and 39.19 earlier in his senior campaign
- He hopes to help the 4×400 relay reach finals
The Maroons, since moving to 3A in 2023, and hasn’t scored a point at the state meet at that level. Hardy could change that with a top nine finish in any of his three events.
The IHSA boys’ state track and field meet will feature 1A prelims on Thursday, then 2A and 3A prelims on Friday before finals for all classes on Saturday.
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