A graduate of Hillsboro (Kan.) High School, he lettered four years in track and three years in football and wrestling for the Trojans. His senior season, Jilka was state champion in both the 110 and 300-meter hurdles. He still holds the Hillsboro High school record in both the 110-meter hurdles at 14.40 and the 300-meter intermediate hurdles at 38.6 seconds.

At Emporia State University, Jilka ran track for four years under Coach Dave Harris, and was part of the Hornets’ 2005 MIAA outdoor runner-up squad. At ESU, he was MIAA conference runner-up in the 400m IH, listed eight times on the MIAA academic honor roll, and following his senior year, was named ESU’s “Student-Athlete of the Year”. Jilka still ranks fourth on the ESU all-time best list in the 60-meter indoor hurdles.

After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from ESU in 2005, Jilka joined Hospira Inc. of McPherson, where he works in product development as a chemist.

CONTACT
Athletic Director
LaMonte Rothrock
Asst. to Athletic Director
Karen M. Caylor
Sports Information
Carol Swenson



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