For many student-athletes, the path to competing at the collegiate level begins long before high school. For Pahrump Valley High School senior Jayden Crisler, that journey didn’t begin until his freshman year—but what he’s accomplished since then has been nothing short of impressive.
“I started as a freshman,” Crisler said. “I didn’t do track in middle school.”
That late introduction didn’t slow him down. Instead, it gave him the opportunity to explore where he fit best within the sport—and it didn’t take long for him to find his strengths.
While Crisler competes in hurdles, a demanding track event that requires both speed and technical precision, he quickly realized that his true strengths lie in the jumping events.
“Hurdles, long jump, triple jump, pole vault—those are really my events,” he said. “I don’t really have the sprinting in me.”
Despite his modest take on sprinting ability, hurdles became a natural extension of his skill set. The event blends speed with timing, coordination and explosive movement—qualities that also translate directly into the jumps. For Crisler, it’s that combination of athleticism and technique that has helped him stand out.
“I hated running,” he added with a laugh. “But running fast is required in hurdles, so you kind of have to get used to it.”
That willingness to embrace the less enjoyable parts of the sport speaks to the work ethic that has fueled his rapid development. In just a few years, Crisler has gone from trying track for the first time to earning the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level.
By his sophomore year, he began to see track and field as more than just a high school activity.
“It was just an easy way to get a degree,” he said. “That’s when I started thinking about taking it to college.”
That decision set the recruiting process in motion—though in Crisler’s case, the opportunity came to him first.
“Indiana Tech reached out to me,” he said. “I don’t know how they got my number, but they did.”
From there, he took a more active role, signing up for NCSA and reaching out to additional programs. Still, he’s quick to point out that athletes don’t necessarily need a recruiting service to get noticed.
“You can use it, but it’s definitely not required,” he said. “You can do it without it.”
Instead, he encourages younger athletes to be proactive and realistic in their approach.
“Find colleges where you can compete, look at their marks, and email the coaches,” he said. “That’s really the most you can do. And have video—if not from meets, then from practice. That helps.”
It was a summer visit that ultimately sealed the deal for Crisler. After attending a practice at Indiana Tech, he knew it was the right environment for him.
“I went to one of their practices, and I knew it was for me,” he said. “The jumpers were having fun, making TikToks, but they were still working hard. It just felt like a good fit.”
Located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Indiana Tech competes at the NAIA level, offering Crisler the chance to continue developing in the events where he’s found success while also pursuing his academic goals. He plans to major in computer science with the goal of becoming a coder.
The opportunity is also supported by both athletic and academic scholarships, helping make the move out of state more manageable.
“I’m getting a scholarship, and it helps make it affordable,” he said. “I also have an academic scholarship.”
As he prepares for the next level, Crisler is approaching his college career with patience and a long-term mindset. Rather than rushing into competition, he’s considering using his first year to train, adjust and continue refining his technique—especially in the highly technical jumping events.
“I don’t really want to start competing right away,” he said. “I’d rather train, learn from the coaches, and improve first.”
That approach reflects a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed at the next level, where small adjustments in form and technique can lead to significant gains in performance.
Looking ahead, Crisler remains open to wherever the sport may take him.
“I might stay, but if someone offers to cover my tuition fully, I’d consider transferring,” he said. “It would be nice to make a D1 jump someday.”
For now, though, the focus is on continuing to grow—both academically and athletically—as he takes the next step in his journey.
And for younger athletes who may be just starting out, his advice is simple and direct:
“Work hard and don’t making excuses.”
It’s a straightforward message from an athlete who didn’t start early, but made the most of every opportunity—and turned it into a chance to compete at the collegiate level.
