CLYDE — Two-time state champion Paula Wollenslegel has signed her letter of intent with Ashland University for track and field.
According to Clyde coach Steven Baker, Ashland are getting one outstanding young lady.
“I am very excited and happy for Paula’s opportunity at Ashland University, they are getting an outstanding young lady,” Baker said. “She is one of the hardest workers I have ever had the opportunity to coach. She gives 100 percent on the track, in the weight room and during high jump drills and is one of the most competitive individuals I know. She had to overcome an early season injury last year, but was able to work through it and finish the season on top.”
Wollenslegel’s record proves Baker’s words. She’s not only a two-time state champion in the high jump in 2014 and 2015 but also raised the bar in the high jump by setting a new school record in 2015 of 5-foot-8-inches for outdoor and 5-6 for indoor and was undefeated in this even her sophomore year. She also set a new school record in the 300m hurdles with 45.81 seconds in just her first year while having no prior experience.
“We needed a hurdler,” Baker said, “I asked her if she would try them. She learned the form quickly and her competitiveness pushed her to run them fast.”
Wollenslegel will be majoring in athletic training and is happy that the college is not only close to home but has a successful track program.
“I picked Ashland because it had my major of athletic training,” she said, “It’s not too far from home, not a big school and it has a successful track program.”
Baker will be sad to see her go, but looks forward to the fact that he has her for one more year.
“Coaching a two-time state champion is awesome,” he said, “but having her back for her senior year is something I am looking forward to during this track season.”
