Former Excelsior High School and Kingston College hurdler Vashaun Vascianna has signed a letter of intent to attend Texas Tech University in the fall.

Vascianna, who has won multiple medals for St Jago High School at the ISSA Boys and Girls Championships, including the Class 2 110m hurdles title in 2019, boasts personal bests of 13.22 for the 100m hurdles and 10.38 for the 100m.

He transferred to Kingston College prior to the start of last season but pulled up injured in the preliminary round of the 110m hurdles and took no further part in the competition.

Notwithstanding, his numbers prompted Texas Tech Assistant Coach of Sprints, Hurdles and Relays, Zach Glavash to declare the 19-year-old Vascianna, one of the best talents in the world.

Having coached athletes like Senoj-Jay Givans and Rushelle Burton in the past, Glavash is no stranger to the talent that exists in Jamaica. He visited Jamaica in March 2019 to attend the ISSA Boys and Girls’ Championships scouting for fresh talent.

“We want sprinters. Kids that can come into our school and make an immediate impact at our conference and at our national championships,” he said back then.

Vascianna, obviously, ticked those boxes for the coach who has won a national championship, coached two NCAA champions and six Big 12 champions at Texas Tech.

“Vashaun comes to our team with an already impressive resume. He is one of the best young hurdlers in the world and we believe he will leave a lasting legacy here at Texas Tech,” he said.

Several Jamaican athletes have found success at Texas Tech over the years. Among them, former Edwin Allen standout Amoy Blake, Odaine Lewis of Cornwall College, who graduated last year with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Sciences as well as Karayme Bartley, who spent his final year of NCAA eligibility at Texas Tech after transferring from Iowa.