Jumpers compete at state

By Donnie A. Lucas

A pair of Albany jumpers made their first trip to the Class 2A UIL State Track Meet last Friday, picking up valuable experience if not medals.

Sophomore Cole Chapman competed in the high jump, clearing 6-02 to finish in eighth place. The winning jump this year was made by a Weimar athlete who cleared 6-07.

“Cole barely missed clearing 6-04, hitting the bar with his heel,” coach Rod Britting said. “If he had made it, he would have moved up to fourth place. It just shows you how close the competition was.”

Chapman cleared the same height of 6-02 that won him a gold medal at the Region II meet.

“Having a taste of the state meet is very beneficial for next year,” the coach said. “It gives him a goal to work toward.”

Chapman said that jumping at state was nerve-racking.

“It was a great experience,” he said. “I learned a lot about being nervous and how to correct that. There were some really great jumpers there, so it showed me what I have to do for next year.”

Junior Luke Ivy competed in the triple jump, earning ninth place with a leap of 42-7.25.

“Luke jumped better than he did for most of the season, with almost every jump being over 42 feet,” Britting said. “He was off a little from his regional distance.”

The flight was won by a Thorndale jumper with 48-11.75.

“Luke was very consistent with all his jumps at state,” Britting said. “We just need to work on getting his power and strength up. I think he will go back down to Austin and make some noise next year.”

Ivy said that he was motivated by the competition at state.

“It gives me a reason to work harder to get back there next year,” Ivy said.

Neither trackster improved their standing going into the meet based on Regional Meet qualifying positions, but according to their coach it was still a very important trip.

“I am so proud of these guys making it to state,” he said. “You are already in the top nine in all of 2A just qualifying. That’s a huge accomplishment.”