AHS jumpers to compete at state
By Donnie A. Lucas
Two Albany tracksters will compete in jumping events at the State Track Meet on Friday at the Mike Myers Stadium on the campus of the University of Texas.
Sophomore Cole Chapman won the high jump Region II Track Meet, going 6-02 on his last attempt. Junior Luke Ivy finished second in the triple jump with a leap of 43-10.25, also on his final attempt.
Chapman will jump at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, while Ivy will compete at 1:00 p.m.
Both events are part of Session 3, which includes the field events for Class 2A and 5A.
Fans must purchase tickets in advance online. Tickets will not be available at the gate as part of COVID-19 rules for the meet. Also, everyone will be required to wear a mask while on campus, even in the outdoor stadium except temporarily while eating or drinking. As has been the case for several years, only clear bags will be allowed to be brought into the stadium.
A link to purchase tickets can be found at the UIL website under the State Track Meet page – spectator information. The link redirects those interested in tickets to https://texaslonghorns.evenue.net.
Tickets are $15 for each session or $25 for both the field and running sessions on the same day.
No multi-day tickets will be sold.
All Class 2A and 5A events will held on Friday during the two sessions.
Chapman will be entering the competition in the seventh place jump out of the regional participants, while Ivy goes in at the ninth place position, according to coach Rod Britting.
“We are just excited about the chance to go and compete,” Britting said. “It is a huge accomplishment to make it to the state meet – you are already one of the top nine competitors in the state.”
The coach said he thinks both jumpers will improve their distances at the meet.
“How the guys do depends a lot on the venue and wind,” he said. “Plus, nerves can get to you, but our two guys are very steady, so I don’t look for nerves to get to them even though it’s their first time to down there.”
Persons interested in watching other sessions can see Class 3A and 4A competition on Thursday (today) and Class 6A and 1A on Saturday. Again, tickets must be purchased online.
