Aftin Griffin Aims for Glory in Final State Track Appearance

Aftin Griffin has showcased her remarkable versatility as both a sprinter and a distance runner throughout her time at Lewis Cass. This Friday, she is gearing up for her sixth appearance at the IHSAA State Finals, competing in track and field for the third time, alongside three cross country events. Griffin's journey to state began with her freshman year, where she qualified for the 400-meter dash, followed by the 800-meter run her sophomore year. This time around, she will take on the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes, marking her participation in four distinct events at the prestigious state competition.

After missing out on the state finals last year, Griffin was determined to return this season. She carefully analyzed her performance times and opted to focus on the 100 and 200-meter sprints at the Lafayette Jeff Regional, considered one of the toughest in the state due to the presence of strong competitors from northern Indianapolis suburbs, as well as schools from Lafayette and Kokomo. “Each year I look at what my best odds of getting out in every event is,” she explained. “This year, I thought it was looking like I might not make it out in anything.”

Griffin ultimately decided to move away from the 400-meter event, which she believes is one of her strongest, due to the competitive landscape of the regional. “It was a really tough decision dropping the 400,” she acknowledged. “But I just took my chances and decided to do the sprints, and I think I definitely made the right decision.” Her adaptability has proven fruitful; she achieved personal records in both the 100 and 200 at the regional.

Holding records for the 100, 200, 400, and 800 meters in track, as well as the 5K in cross country, Griffin is contemplating her future track events at IU Indianapolis. “I have no idea,” she admitted regarding which events she might be assigned. She expressed interest in potentially running the 4x400 relay and the 200 meters but is also open to specializing in the 400 and 800, depending on the incoming talent.

Griffin credits her strong running abilities to her parents, particularly her mother, Corinna Stilwell, a former athlete at Pioneer who once held the 400-meter record. “I took after her and wanted to switch it up for track,” Griffin said. As she prepares for her final State Finals, she is focused on achieving personal bests. “I still want to run a PR definitely in both events if I can,” she stated. The 100-meter dash trials are set to kick off at 5 p.m., followed by the 200-meter trials at 5:40 p.m.