Franklin Central standout eyes record-breaking state finals performance

Last Thursday at the IHSAA Regionals, Rylan Hainje unofficially broke the United States high school record for 110-meter hurdles, finishing in just 13.05 seconds. Example video title will go here for this video To stream 13 WTHR on your phone, you need the 13 WTHR app. INDIANAPOLIS — When you think of breaking records for high school track and field in the United States, Indiana probably doesn't standout as a serious contender. Franklin Central's Rylan Hainje would like a word about that. "I've definitely worked so hard just to get to where I am today," the senior standout said. This story continues below. More in Local sports IU Champion football coach Curt Cignetti featured on cover of EA Sports' 'College Football 27' Pacers holding audition for in-game entertainment teams Hainje did not even start running track until his sophomore year of high school. A buddy convinced him to try out, a coach saw his potential running hurdles and the rest is history. Since then, he's broken multiple state records, and just last Thursday, May 28 at the IHSAA Regionals, Hainje unofficially broke the United States high school record for 110-meter hurdles, running in just 13.05 seconds. "I'm really proud of myself," Hainje told 13Sports. "There's definitely been some rough moments leading up to this point. With all the support I've had and all the hard work I have put in, I am definitely proud of myself." Unfortunately, the on-site timing company did not utilize an anemometer. Without a wind reading, the record will not be recognized by Track and Field News. Hainje explained to 13Sports that with no wind gauges present, the record does not officially count. That doesn't phase the Franklin Central senior, though. He says he'll just do it again this weekend at the state finals. "I'm definitely going to shatter the record — both records," Hainje confidently said. "I'm ready." Not only is Hainje looking to break the national 110-meter hurdles record again, but he's eyeing the national 300-meter hurdles record as well, which was set just two months ago in Texas. Hainje told 13Sports he takes so much pride in representing the state of Indiana in track and field. "I've met so many people running track. To be able to have all of this support means a lot," Hainje said. "To see the involvement in track and how big the crowds are, it means a lot because I'm not just running for myself — I'm running for the whole state, and that's something that I really love doing." In the fall, Hainje is taking his talents not far from home as he will continue his athletic career at Marian University.