Ada senior Andrew Hughes will head to the University of Arkansas on a track schlarship after being a three-time state high jump champ. And that’s not all

VYPE: Most people never win a state championship. You claimed three straight titles in the high jump. How grateful are you for that experience?

Andrew Hughes: I’m super grateful for that experience! I’ve put in a lot of hours of practice, so to see it pay off is something special to me. Just to be there and have the opportunity three times was an accomplishment enough, but to win it all three times I went was a huge blessing!

VYPE: How did it feel to see your name on the OCA All-State football list?

AH: To see my name on that list made me feel very blessed. My teammates and coaches all play a big part of that accomplishment so I want to thank all of them!

VYPE: Why was Arkansas the best place to continue your track & field career?

AH: When I visited Arkansas it just felt like home. I really liked the coaching staff and the team. Everyone there has high expectations for themselves, and they always push each other to be better than they were the day before.

VYPE: How do you hope your Ada teammates and classmates remember you?

AH: I hope my teammates and classmates remember not just for being an athlete. I hope they remember me as a leader, a hard worker and a good friend!

VYPE: How much did guys like Jake Shannon (ORU track) and other Ada track stars who came before you inspire you to compete at a high level?

AH: Guys like Jake definitely left a mark at Ada and inspired me tremendously. To see the success he had at the higher level made me want to pursue track and field even more and take it more seriously as I got older. Another guy that inspired me was David Taylor (he held the high jump school record prior to me). I worked with David a couple of times in my younger years of high school and just hearing his knowledge was super cool.