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M/CLOUDY Temp: 50 °F Wind: W at 9 mph Tuesday, April 1, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend March 27, 2003 North Medford�s Rosana Medina had the second-best time in the state in the 300 hurdles last season. She has given an oral commitment to the University of Nevada and will sign a letter-of-intent in a couple weeks. Mail Tribune / Roy Musitelli Medina clears hurdle The North Medford hurdler has secured a scholarship to the University of Nevada By DON HUNT Mail Tribune Rosana Medina admits she was surprised when the University of Nevada offered her a track scholarship. The North Medford High senior can’t sign a letter-of-intent with the Wolf Pack for another couple weeks, but she’s given an oral commitment to the Reno, Nev., school. "It’s not that I didn’t think I was good enough, but I’ve never really been super good in any one event," Medina says. "But I’ve worked hard to get better, and it feels great to have all that work pay off." Medina was one of the top 400-meter runners in the Southern Oregon Conference as a sophomore, and she set the Black Tornado school record in the long jump last season with a mark of 17 feet, 4½ inches. But it’s the 300 hurdles that secured Medina a scholarship. She took up the event last season and sped to a clocking of 45.18 seconds, the second- best time in the state. "She’s got a tremendous upside as a hurdler," North Medford coach Mark Hodges says. "She was new at it last year and made tremendous strides. "She’s got the kind of raw speed you need to be a college hurdler, and her form is only going to get better." The Nevada coaches became interested in Medina after seeing her at an indoor meet in Reno in January of 2002. After watching her progress last spring, Wolf Pack assistant coach Bert Serrano visited North Medford in January and offered her a scholarship. Medina gave an oral commitment after visiting the Nevada campus in late January. "The campus was awesome," Medina says. "It seemed like an easygoing place. I felt very comfortable there." Medina will receive $15,500 in scholarship aid each year — close to the total yearly cost of $18,000. Other forms of financial aide will make up most if not all of the difference, she says. Medina plans to major in education and eventually become a teacher and track coach. "I’m a people person, and I love being around kids," she says. "And the coaches I’ve had have changed my life. I want to give something back." Medina is looking forward to her senior track season with the Tornado. She has added the 100 hurdles to her list of events that also includes the 4x100 and 4x400 relays. "The short hurdles take a lot more work, but it’s fun having a new event," Medina says. "Coach (Hodges) has thrown a new event at me every year." North Medford opens its season April 8 in Eagle Point in a tri-meet against the Eagles and Roseburg. Reach reporter Don Hunt at 776-4469, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search M Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S