Cleveland's Morgan James breaks state record at Great Southwest

ALBUQUERQUE — While competing at the 2025 Great Southwest Track and Field Classic June 7, Cleveland senior Morgan James ran the 300-meter hurdles in 42.86 seconds, which is the fastest time ever recorded in the state of New Mexico.

“I feel great! Lots of hard work has gone into this accomplishment,” James said.

The previous New Mexico record was 42.89, set in 2014 by Piedra Vista’s Zhianna Flores.

“I have been very fortunate to have coached some very gifted female hurdlers,” James’ hurdling coach Stacey Price said. “Morgan is very new to track and field, newer yet to hurdling. Only started hurdling, a very demanding event, just two years ago. Wow! Sub-43, that is absolutely incredible. It goes to show her ability to stay focused and pay attention to details.”

James has had a ton of success this past year, winning both hurdling events at the 2025 NMAA state track and field championships. In total, James is a three-time state champion, and now her track journey will take her to Oregon.

“I’m running at Nike nationals in two weeks so the work doesn’t stop here. I’m so proud of how far I’ve come in such a short time. I can’t wait for what my senior year is going to bring,” James said.

James will compete in the 2025 Nike Outdoor Nationals track and field championships, which will be held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. The three-day event runs June 19-22.

“Morgan’s development is ongoing. We have some technical work in both hurdles, but I’m very happy with what she is doing. She has some much more to give, and it’s going to be very special,” Price said.

The upcoming Nike Nationals can be streamed on RunnerSpace.com or on USATF.TV.