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Varsity 541 NEWS NOW Stouts fire still growing, but in a good way ... Man suspected of sexually abusing child ... Fallen monkey puzzle tree becomes torii gate for Japanese garden in Lithia Park ... Stouts fire still growing, but in a good way ... Man suspected of sexually abusing child ... Fallen monkey puzzle tree becomes torii gate for Japanese garden in Lithia Park ... PREP NOTEBOOK Breaking Barriers North sprinter Wolfe turns heads with record times Comment By Kris Henry Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Kris Henry Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 21, 2015 at 2:00 AM Updated Apr 21, 2015 at 7:05 PM By Kris Henry Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 21, 2015 at 2:00 AM Updated Apr 21, 2015 at 7:05 PM » Social News Tyren Wolfe is at a loss for words to explain it, but he sure is enjoying what has been a breakout season for the North Medford boys track and field team. Two years removed from a shocking injury that cut short his freshman season, Wolfe is setting a blazing trail these days as a junior for the Black Tornado. In short order, he has established himself as one of the state’s top sprinters and as a record-holder when it comes to North Medford track. Wolfe, who recently turned 17, showed positive signs of breaking through in a preseason meet March 18 against Ashland. He completely announced his presence last week when he broke the 100-meter school record on Wednesday at Grants Pass and then bettered that mark Friday during preliminaries in the Oregon Relays at Hayward Field in Eugene. The 6-foot-1, 160-pound sprinter cruised to victory in Grants Pass with an automatic time of 11.01, besting marks established by Mat Davis (11.04 converted in 1994) and Almeir Barlow (11.07 automatic in 2008) as the best in North Medford history. “That was really surprising, actually,” said Wolfe. “I didn’t even realize I was that fast. It’s an honor to have that (record).” Two days later, Wolfe lowered that record in one of the best venues for the sport in Track Town USA by finishing second in the Oregon Relays preliminaries at 10.92. In Saturday’s finals, he placed fifth in the 100 (11.10) and fourth in the 200 (22.46) against a talented field of runners from throughout the Pacific Northwest. “It was a great experience,” said Wolfe. “I wasn’t used to running against kids that were that fast so that was a little different.” “It was nice because that’s what pushed me to even beat my own record of 11.01,” he added. It all seems surreal for Wolfe, who ran a 12.54 100 meters in his only attempt as a freshman. Two weeks later, while competing in the 110-meter hurdles, Wolfe clipped a hurdle with his lead left leg during a practice run in Grants Pass, tripped and suffered a broken femur. That injury ended his track season and also led to him taking last year off from the sport. “It took me about a year to fully recover,” he said. “I didn’t go out for track my sophomore year because it was still kind of iffy so I just waited until this year to come back. I felt like it was important to take the time off, and it’s all good now.” In a weird way, being away from the track has helped make everything a little easier this season for Wolfe, who hasn’t felt the pressure to perform up to any standard other than merely trying his best. It also hasn’t hurt that he’s grown about 4 inches taller and gained 35 pounds from his freshman year. “I came into (the Oregon Relays) ranked like 20th overall and I knew I wasn’t projected to win but I was excited about being there,” said Wolfe. “I wanted to see how I would react to it and I think I reacted pretty well. Most of the kids have been training their whole life and for me this is my first year even doing it, so I was just trying to take it all in.” Wolfe was also a key ingredient to North Medford’s run to the Class 6A boys basketball state tournament, and admits that basketball is his main sport. Still, there’s a level of excitement surrounding him given his athleticism and the fact he’s only scratched the surface as a sprinter and long jumper for the Black Tornado. He’s reached 19 feet, 8¾ inches in the long jump and his 200 time of 22.46 trails only Davis and Matt Parish, who share the school record at 21.90, and Barlow (22.43). Wolfe also has shared time on the track with Josh Hansen, Cody Matthews and Will Spence on a 4x100 team that continues to climb the school charts with a current best of 43.98. “I like running, it’s fun,” he said. “I know there’s a bunch I can improve on because I haven’t even trained to run. I feel like I could be a lot better, and that’s good.” He also doesn’t have far to go to find an inspirational influence on the track in North Medford senior Halley Folsom. Already a two-time state champion for the Black Tornado, Folsom owns school records in the 800 (2:16.93), 300 hurdles (44.09), high jump (5-6¼) and 4x400 relay with Jaci Brumble, Hannah Anderson and Savannah Greenwade (3:59.18). Folsom, who has designs on being a heptathlete in college, also is second in school history in the triple jump (35-3½). “She’s a beast … she’s crazy,” Wolfe said of Folsom, who posted four top-three marks at the Oregon Relays. “She’s definitely motivation for me with how dominant she is in all her events. She definitely pushes me.” Reach reporter Kris Henry at 541-776-4488, [email protected], www.facebook.com/krishenryMT or www.twitter.com/Kris_Henry By Kris Henry Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Kris Henry Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 21, 2015 at 2:00 AM Updated Apr 21, 2015 at 7:05 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction Schedules & Events --> Recent Scores --> Prep Notebook Kris Henry Varsity 541 Photos U.S. Amateur Qualifier Rogue vs. Gems North vs. Sheldon Crater Classic Track & Field North vs. South Softball Ashland vs. Springfield Softball » More Photo Galleries Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications | Contact Us | Advertise | © Copyright Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.