For Kyra Jackson, it was a family affair.

Before she entered her freshman year at Catasauqua, Kyra Jackson discussed with her parents the possibilities of joining the track program. Parents Kawaunna and Joseph both participated in track in high school, and her mother excelled at hurdles.

Now, five years later, Kyra has followed in her mother’s footsteps.

Jackson entered the Colonial League Championship meet Tuesday as one of the favorites to capture the 100-meter hurdles as well as being in the running for long and triple jumps, and running relays.

In the Rough Riders’ last regular season at Bangor with Northern Lehigh, the senior won the 100 hurdles in a season-best time of 17.4. She also won the long jump with a mark of 14-1 and was second in the triple jump with a mark of 30-6.

“I think I am doing really well in the hurdles,” said Jackson. “Our coaches have been working on the first step. I also have longer legs, and being able to alternate my legs has been a big factor.

“I also have opened my strides, and have been able to drop two seconds off my time. It really is about staying focused and staying low.”

Jackson began hurdles as a freshman, and she started long jump midway through her freshman year. Last season, she began the triple jump.

“It was halfway through my freshman season at a meet, and (head) coach (Kyle) Rusnock said he needed someone to step in and long jump,” she recalled. “I told him that I would do it, and I’ve done it since.

“I started the triple jump last year, and it has been a learning process. We don’t have a track, so we have to improvise. I have been working on getting more distance, and I cleared 31 feet. I feel pretty confident with it.”

Rusnock has watched Jackson develop into a major contributor.

“Kyra is an all-around excellent athlete,” he said. “Kyra has a great work ethic and it has paid off, as she has qualified for five events in the postseason.

“Kyra has a great combination of speed and the ability to jump. She has a good chance to place at leagues and districts. Her 100 hurdle time is one of the best, and her triple jump keeps getting better every week. It will be exciting to see her compete the next two weeks.”

Jackson plans to attend Lehigh County Community College in the fall and begin a career in physical therapy. She began to think about the profession last year and finalized her plans this year.

However, her track days are numbered. Coaching the sport in the future can be a possibility.

“Track is coming to an end,” she said. “Track wasn’t offered in middle school, and it would have been nice to get started at a younger age. There are so many options with track, and it would be nice to work with younger kids to get started.

“I’m looking forward to the postseason now to see what I can do.”