By Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

PEDRO — Wade Hankins track career has been a blur.

It’s not because it has gone by so quickly, but he’s the one who has gone by quickly.

The Rock Hill Redmen senior track standout is known for his speed and he has used that speed to land a scholarship with the Shawnee State Bears.

Armed with his running prowess, Hankins talked with the University of Rio Grande Kentucky Christian  University, Morehead State University and Marshall University.

But personal relationships swayed Hankins to sign a letter-of-intent with Shawnee State.

“One of the coaches I looked up to a lot during (last season) and got the strength coaching job is there and my cousin is also the athletic trainer there,” said Hankins, referring to coach Jesse Ruby and trainer Chase Hankins.

Hankins ran an 11.03 in the 100-meter dash as he finished first and posted his best personal time. He also runs the 200 meters, the spring relays and occasionally the long jump.

Although he enjoys all the events, he is partial to one in particular.

“Definitely the 100. That’s definitely my favorite,” said Hankins. “I feel like there’s a lot more competition in that event. I feel like everybody there is about the same and it’s just whoever works the hardest wins it.”

Signing early with the Bears will allow Hankins to avoid the distraction of what he plans to do next fall.

“It gives me more of a focus point on the season coming up and not worrying about college. I got that part out of the way,” said Hankins.

Getting a chance to run at the college level was something that became a goal early for Hankins. He started running track in the seventh grade only to have the season cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. When he returned to the track, it didn’t take long for him to realize what he wanted to do with his running career.

“That didn’t start until my sophomore year,” said Hankins. “I quit all my other sports just to focus on track my sophomore year.”

Having a college offer in his back pocket is a relief, Hankins said he still has some goals to achieve before he graduates.

“This year, I’m hoping to get the 100-meter record at the school and also get the OVC record,” said Hankins who said is within reach of the record which is 10.8 seconds.

Hankins plans to major in physical science and double major in physical therapy.