Two of nation’s best in 100-meter hurdles renew acquaintances in Washington after thrilling 60-meter hurdles battle in March

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Grace Stark and Emily Sloan haven’t lined up against one another in the hurdles since March at the New Balance Nationals Indoor final in New York.

But two of the top four high school indoor 60-meter hurdles performers in history and a pair of the country’s elite athletes in the outdoor 100-meter hurdles this season haven’t let up the past three months, regardless of the competition, in preparation for their next showdown Friday night at the Brooks PR Invitational in Shoreline, Wash.

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Stark, a White Lake Lakeland junior, ran a wind-legal 13.16 seconds in the 100 hurdles Saturday to set the state record at the Michigan High School Athletic Association Lower Peninsula Division 1 finals at East Kentwood High, remaining unbeaten over the barriers this season and improving to second nationally this year and the No. 11 all-time prep performer.

“I was assuming I would run around 13.3, so it was a pleasure running faster than that,” Stark told the Detroit News.

“I wouldn’t say that’s what we were training for, but that’s what my training looks like, so I was really surprised when it was a lot faster than what I expected it to be.”

Although the primary focus this season for Sloan, a Rock Canyon CO senior, was on breaking the state record in the 300 hurdles – which she did May 19 at the Colorado High School Activities Association Class 5A final by running 40.60, the second-fastest time in the country this year and elevating her to the No. 14 prep performer in history – she has also remained unbeaten in the 100 hurdles, including a 13.54 effort Saturday at the Great Southwest Classic in New Mexico.

“Great Southwest was a good tuneup meet for me as I am trying to get my 100-meter speed and rhythm back,” Sloan said. “I am very excited to race Grace. She is always so fun to run with and she makes me run faster and pushes me to my PR.”

Stark placed second and Sloan was fourth in the 60 hurdles March 11 at New Balance Nationals Indoor, with Tia Jones of George Walton Comprehensive GA – the country’s outdoor leader this season in the 100 hurdles at 13.03 – capturing the national title. Jones (8.05), Stark (8.05) and Sloan (8.07) rank second, third and fourth all-time among prep athletes in the girls 60 hurdles.

“I know that I have to stay focused and run my race,” Sloan said. “But it’s also so inspiring and amazing to see everyone push each other to amazing times.”

Although all seven athletes from last year’s 100 hurdles race at the Brooks PR Invitational graduated, Sloan is no stranger to the annual event, placing second in 2016 in 13.48, trailing only former Hoover AL star and current LSU sophomore Brittley Humphrey (13.43).

“I have great appreciation for national meets (like Brooks PR),” said Sloan, who lowered her personal best to 13.43 on April 7 at the Arcadia Invitational.

“I know that everyone that shows up is going to run the race of their life because of the environment of competitiveness and the level of athletes there.”

Stark and Sloan are also scheduled to compete June 15-17 at New Balance Nationals Outdoor in Greensboro, N.C.

So a dress rehearsal Friday in Washington bodes well for both state champions as they look to challenge the 2014 meet record of 13.32 set by George Washington CO graduate and USC redshirt junior Dior Hall.

“I’m U.S. No. 2 right now and I’m hoping to stay in that ballpark of U.S. No. 1 and No. 5,” Stark said.