Story by Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent

Timothy Alston Jr. likes to run. It has certainly been a mainstay in his life.

“I run because it gives me a sense of freedom,” said Alston Jr., who is a senior on Richmond Hill’s track team. “I like to feel fast and win races and it's just overall something that I really enjoy doing. I have been doing track since about five years old.”

And Alston Jr. hasn’t been slowed by any hurdles along the way. In fact, he has been successful jumping over them.

The senior made the state meet in the 300 hurdles, and only a false start kept him out of the state meet in the 110 hurdles. Alston Jr. was a member of the Wildcats’ 4 x 200 relay team, which finished eighth at states. He also runs the 200, and his personal best is 22.55.

He set the 110m hurdle school record of 14.01 at regionals last year. It is a mark Alston Jr. shares with Kendrick Joshua, who is now running at the University of Georgia. In addition, Alston Jr, who sees himself as a short hurdler at five-foot-seven, is constantly working on his approach since his beginnings. 

“I have been doing hurdles for about six years,” said Alston Jr. “To me the biggest challenge is just trying to find the right angles to be at because I'm shorter than most guys. 

“It took me about a year to get the general basics down. As the years went on, I got faster and faster and now I'm where I'm at today.”

Alston Jr. always has kept his performances in the proper perspective, seeking some divine intervention.

“I always pray to my Lord and Savior before I race,” said Alston Jr. “I always ask him to help me do my best and run as hard as I can.”

Head track coach Levi Sybert has been impressed with Alston Jr.'s development. He has high hopes for him in the postseason.

“I have seen him progress tremendously, especially between the sophomore and junior year in his performances,” said Sybert. “Of course, like many others, his maturity has improved and improved, but he is four levels ahead of everybody on his dedication and focus and execution. I anticipate him being on the podium for the first time ever this year, which will be an awesome feat.”

Through his first three meets, Alston Jr. best in 110 hurdles was 14.06; in the 300,  39.79; and 200, 22.55.

Alston Jr. plans to attend Jackson State on a track and field scholarship next year, but he isn’t finished leaving his mark on the Richmond Hill program. 

In the process, Alston Jr. knows it will take a complete effort to get him to the state meet in his final attempt. His goals are as clear as his path ahead.

“I believe I have to be mentally confident as well as physically fit,” said Alston Jr. “I see myself lowering my times toward states. 

“My goal is to win states, and I believe I am ready to peak at the right time.”