Previewing the Drake Relays - Jumps (long jump, high jump, tj?, pv?)
A lot of good, no great? The depth in the jumps is excellent, the quality at the top not so.
In the boys long jump, there are more than 30 jumpers over 21’ already this season; but only one over 22’3". That’s Davenport Central’s Kenny Gilmore who’s gone 24’5”, and will be the only strong favorite to take home the gold and challenge records in the jumps in 2011. The Drake and Iowa All-Time records were both set by Davenport Centrals Chris Walker in 1984; 23’11 ¾” and 24’9 ½” respectively. We won’t even mention the long list of candidates for 2nd, except to go with Class 1A Madrid’s Nick Efkamp as the long-shot pick.
The girls long jump is more of the same. There’s over 40 over 16’, but only two legitimately over 18’. Again Davenport Central produces the favorite (who’s coaching those folks?) in Allanah McCorkle. Logan-Magnolia’s talented duo of Alex Gochenhour and Karen Hutson could challenge based on experience if McCorkle falters; and Columbus Junction’s Heaven Chandler could surprise with her speed and raw talent. Laneisha Waller (Cedar Rapids Washington) holds the Drake and Iowa All-time long jump records, 19’3 ¾ and 19’5”, set in 2004 and 2003; which should be safe.
If all are allowed to enter, 30 different athletes could win the boys high jump, all who’ve jumped from 6’4” to 6’9” this year. Nick Day (Solon) has gone 6’9”, and Tyler Donels (SE Polk) & Jordan Cress (Olin) 6’8”, so will be the favs; but don’t count out someone from the field. North Central’s Brian Tjetjens 7’3” and 7’3 ½” Drake and Iowa All-Time records are out of reach.
The girls high jump includes two true national class jumpers; Kanishah Williams (Burlington) and Taylor Twedt (West Fork), who’ve cleared 5’10” already this year. That war will be preceded by the battle for the bronze between many, with perhaps small school youngster’s Tayo Ajose (sophomore, Mediapolis) and Kasey Reuter (freshman, Hinton) leading the charge. Dike-New Hartford’s Hannah Willms’ Drake and Iowa All-Time record of 6’1” was set here a year ago.
And in the triple jump and pole vault, ….
(Historically speaking - In 1989 Iowa became the only state in the U.S. to eliminate high school pole vaulting. And remains the only state without the triple jump.)