Woods is Winslow's versatile star

Being a star sprinter, hurdler, long jumper, triple jumper, and key member of championship relay teams apparently wasn't enough for Cidea'a Woods.

The Winslow Township senior also is a top student, a member of the National Honor Society, and the drum major of the Eagles' marching band.

But she's always ready for a new challenge.

So when a high jumper for the Eagles was unable to make the indoor state championships this winter, Woods raised her hand and volunteered for the event.

And she jumped 5 feet, 4 inches to win the Group 3 state title.

"I was like, 'Oh, I'll do it,' " Woods said. "It was something new, something fresh.

"I liked it because I knew it wasn't my main event, so I was at ease with myself. I knew I could mess up, and I ended up doing pretty good."

Woods' success in still another event was no surprise to Winslow Township coach George Horne. A veteran of 35 seasons on the Philadelphia scholastic scene, Horne is beginning his fourth season at Winslow Township.

He said he has never coached an athlete like Woods.

"She's the most versatile one I've ever had," Horne said. "The great ones can do a lot of different things."

Woods is coming off a sensational indoor season. She and fellow senior star Torie Robinson are poised to lead Winslow Township to state prominence during the outdoor season.

Woods won the Group 3 state title in the 55 hurdles (8.11 seconds) as well as the high jump and took second at Eastern States in the long jump with a leap of 19-43/4.

Last outdoor season, Woods was second in the Meet of Champions in the long jump (19-91/4) and fourth in the 100 (12.22) after winning the long jump (17-8) and placing second in the 100 (12.21), high hurdles (14.57), and triple jump (36-0) at the Group 3 state meet.

Last week, Woods signed a national letter of intent to attend the University of Tennessee on a track scholarship.

"They're just a great school," said Woods, who also seriously considered Minnesota, Georgia, and North Carolina. "They have a great academic support system, and I love the athletes and the coaches and the whole atmosphere."

Woods, who plans to major in kinesiology, said she likely will focus on the long jump and hurdles at Tennessee.

At Winslow, Woods is the team's multi-event star. Once more of a sprinter and long jumper, she has improved vastly in the hurdles in the last year - and added the high jump to her repertoire in the winter.

"She's exploding as a hurdler," Horne said.

Woods said she has been competing in track since she was 6 or 7 years old. But she really didn't like the sport until middle school.

"I only did it because my friend's mom was the coach and she asked me," Woods said. "I was a cheerleader, played softball and soccer. I didn't even like it that much.

"I kind of grew into it as I got older."

Woods' versatility extends beyond track and field. She plays the clarinet and saxophone in the band and was chosen as the group's drum major as a senior.

That limited her ability to explore her scholarship options in track, and that is one reason she didn't decide on Tennessee until last week.

With just one high school season remaining, Woods said, she is focused on doing her best as an individual and helping Winslow Township reach new heights as a team.

"We embrace it," Woods said of the high expectations around the Eagles. "We're definitely ready. We're ready to win."

See and hear from Winslow Township's Cidea'a Woods. www.inquirer.com

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