Wissahickon Grad Running for the Blue Hens

Tyreece Clayton was always happy to display his speed playing baseball in eighth grade.  It took some persuading from his twin brother to continue with his running on the track.

Clayton’s brother, Tyrone, suggested he consider running track in high school.  Five years later, Clayton is running track at the University of Delaware after a successful four-year stint at .

“I started running track when I was in eighth grade,” Clayton said.  “I played baseball and people used to ask me if I ever ran track because they saw the speed I had going around the bases. My brother was on the track team and I decided to try it in high school and I ended up really enjoying it.”

Clayton is already making his mark with the Blue Hens.  He is running with several of the relay teams during his freshman season and also gaining valuable experience with the college competition.

 “This year has been a learning experience,” said Clayton.  “It’s been a huge transition from high school to college.  So many factors can affect your performance.  I was happy I could compete for Delaware and so many upperclassmen showed me what to do.”

It’s never an easy adjustment for a freshman to make the jump from high school to college competition in track and field.  Clayton came up strong in several meets throughout the spring and knows he will be better prepared for the rest of his years at Delaware.

“We did fairly well,” Clayton said.  “I’m just trying to get used to the college atmosphere.”

Clayton set several school records during his days at Wissahickon High School.  He was a significant part of three conference championships as he literally followed in the footsteps of the many talented runners at Wissahickon.

"Wissahickon does have a tradition,” said Clayton.  “It’s been going on for 70-plus years now.  Our coaching staff is one of the most experienced in the state.  To be part of that is something I was honored to be a part of.”

When it came time to choose a college, Clayton had several options.  However, Delaware offered the complete package of both academics and athletics.

“I was interested in physical therapy,” Clayton said.  “Delaware has a great physical therapy program.  I was looking at other colleges and I just felt Delaware offered me something that no other school had.”

Another advantage for Clayton at Delaware is location.  He is close enough to return home with a fairly short car ride, but Clayton is also getting a taste of life on campus.

“It is close enough to home that I can visit whenever I want to,” said Clayton.  “But it’s far enough away that I can be independent.  It’s just a perfect location.”

Clayton still has more work to do on the track at Delaware before the season winds down.  However, he plans on keeping busy during the off-season preparing for 2012.  Clayton has sets his sights higher for next season and knows it takes hard work during the summer to keep up with the competition.

“Now I have a feel of what college is like,” Clayton said.  “I’ve seen what it takes to be successful in the college level.  It will definitely motivate me in the off-season to work as hard as I can. Wherever I go to compete last year, I’ll try to do better.”