JEFF FIELDER Editor
MARYVILLE, Mo. – Shayleigh James, a 2016 Scottsbluff High School graduate who is a senior at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri, is this week’s Nspire Today! Female Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance. James capped her successful cross country career Saturday in the regional meet. She’ll wrap up her athletic career at Northwest Missouri State University in the upcoming indoor and outdoor track and field seasons. After graduating from SHS, she competed in cross country and track at UNK, and then she transferred to Northwest Missouri State University, where she’s been for the last three years. James will graduate from Northwest Missouri State University in December 2020. Her parents are Nathan James and Kristen Blehm.
Q: Talk about how this cross country season went for you?
JAMES: “It was a pretty good year. I battled some health things that kind of set me back, but by the end, I felt good. It was a good year overall.”
Q: How did regionals go for you and the team?
JAMES: “This year was a rebuilding year for our team. Overall, individually, we all ran well. I felt it was a really good meet. I felt like I was back to myself. I felt like it was my strongest race of the year.”
Q: Was the regional meet kind of an emotional meet for you since this was your last year of competing in cross country?
JAMES: “Yes. After doing it for close to 10 years, it was kind of hard to wrap my mind around that it was my last season. After you’ve logged that many miles, you’re kind of like, ‘OK, what now?’ So, it seems crazy that it is over. It was definitely a hard day. This year, even though it was a rebuilding year for our team, our team chemistry was the best it’s ever been. It’s the closest group of girls I’ve ever been with. So, it was hard seeing it end, knowing I won’t be part of the cross country team anymore.”
Q: What is it that you’ve enjoyed about the sport of cross country?
JAMES: “Just meeting different people, whether it was a teammate or a competitor. That’s been the best part of it.”
Q: What events do you compete in during the indoor and outdoor track and field seasons?
JAMES: “For indoor, I will do the mile and the 3K. For outdoor, I do the steeplechase and the 1,500.”
Q: Tell me a little more about the steeplechase. How challenging is that event?
JAMES: “It’s the most challenging race I’ve ever done mentally and physically. You have obstacles – literally and figuratively. You have the water and the barriers. It’s a lot of fun, but it’s definitely a challenge. I got into it my freshman year. My brother kind of encouraged me to look into doing it, so I did.”
Q: What’s it like to go over the hurdle with the water down below?
JAMES: “It’s hard because you know it’s there. You know you’re not going to reach the end of the pit. But at the same time, depending on the weather, it can be fun. If it’s cold, it’s not fun. I’ve done it when it’s 32 degrees out – that wasn’t as enjoyable. But I’m glad I decided to do it. It’s such a unique event.”
Q: How cool has it been competing at the collegiate level?
JAMES: “I’ve loved every minute of it. If I could go back and do it again, I would.”
Q: What is your major in college?
JAMES: “I’m applied health exercise science, but I’m pre-occupational therapy.”
Q: Why did you decide to go into that field?
JAMES: “I nannied Seth Boyer [in Scottsbluff]. He has autism. I loved every minute of it, and I knew I wanted to work with kids with special needs. I’ve always enjoyed working with children and the medical field, so I knew I wanted to do something in that area. My senior year I started volunteering at Regional West in the pediatric physical therapy department. I really enjoyed it. When I started looking into occupational therapy, I knew that was going to be my thing. My plan is to get a doctorate of occupational therapy.”
Q: Where do you plan to go for grad school?
JAMES: “I’m looking at Drake, Creighton, Indiana, Indiana State, Rockhurst, and KU.”
Q: How has your college career gone overall at Northwest Missouri State?
JAMES: “I’ve loved it. I’ve had a lot of opportunities here. I actually work two jobs on top of running and going to school. But I’ve seen a lot of success academically. I love Northwest. It’s been an amazing experience.”
Q: Where do you work?
JAMES: “I’m a student ambassador, so I give students who are looking at the school tours. I also work in the group homes here in the town.”
Q: What do you do at the group homes?
JAMES: “I assist individuals with disabilities.”
Q: How rewarding has that job been?
JAMES: “It’s been very rewarding. I’ve been with the same resident the entire time. It’s been a lot of fun just seeing the transitions and them overcoming obstacles. I’ve enjoyed being a part of that.”
Q: Do you get back to Scottsbluff very often?
JAMES: “I went back home in July, and I won’t go back until Christmas. I’m usually home maybe every four months.”
Q: Is there a part of you that misses Scottsbluff?
JAMES: “Yes. My family is there, so that’s a big thing. I do miss it, but Northwest gives me such a family feel.”
Q: Is there anything else that you miss about Scottsbluff, like any particular restaurants?
JAMES: “I definitely miss our Mexican restaurants.”
Q: What’s your favorite Mexican restaurant in the Scottsbluff/Gering area?
JAMES: “TDO. That’s usually my first destination when I come home.”
Q: When you do have some free time, what do you like to do for fun?
JAMES: “I enjoy hanging out with my teammates and my other friends. I also enjoy caring for my individuals at work.”
Q: Looking back at your time in Scottsbluff, who is one person who made a pretty big impact in your life?
JAMES: “Definitely my brother [Tayler James]. I have the closest relationship with him. He’s getting his doctorate of physical therapy right now, so he’s one who is pointing me in the right direction and kind of picking me up when I need that. He always hands out the best advice to me, whether I’m down because of a bad test or something else. He always has the right words to pick me up.”
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
JAMES: “If kids from around Scottsbluff are looking to [move away from Scottsbluff] after high school, I think Northwest is definitely a place they should not overlook. I’m here because they give really good scholarships. I get in-state tuition, and textbooks and laptops are included in the tuition. I also get an academic scholarship because their scholarships are GPA based instead of just on the ACT. That would be my advice for western Nebraska kids. I definitely think this is a place kids should look at, and they can save a lot of money by going here.”
If you would like to nominate someone for Nspire Today!’s Athletes of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, you may do so by sending an email to jeff.fielder@nspiretoday.com or by mailing a letter to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. Nominations may also be submitted by sending a text to 308-220-8865.
In addition to being recognized online, athletes of the week will also be recognized in Nspire Today! magazine. To sign up for a one-year subscription (12 issues) to the magazine, please send $15 to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. To pay with a credit card, please call 308-220-8865. If you would like to increase your subscription to $20, Nspire Today! will donate the extra $5 in November to the Veterans and Military Families Emergency Relief Organization.
For all your insurance needs, visit The Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance, located at 1012 Ave. I in Scottsbluff, or call 308-632-8598.
