Leon jumps to fifth place
Ron Firth
POSTED: June 7, 2008
COLUMBUS — Crestview junior Jakob Leon figures his best days are ahead of him.
Leon, one of the state’s top high jumpers, disappointed himself by finishing fifth in the Division III competition at the 101st annual state track meet Friday afternoon.
“I was hoping to go and do well,” Leon said. “It didn’t go my way. There’s always next year.”
Leon had no problems until missing twice at 6-foot-5. He made his final attempt, before going out at 6-6 in the stifling heat at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.
“I felt good coming in, but after a while it got to me. I died,” he said. “The heat shouldn’t be an excuse.”
Stewart Federal Hocking senior Cory Vales — who had the top jump at regionals at 6-10 — won the state title by clearing 6-10.
New Bremen senior Scott Schnelle was second (6-7), Jeromesville Hillsdale senior Clay Nelson was third (6-6) and defending state champion Jacob Beatley of Columbus Academy was fourth (6-6).
Leon, who went over 6-9 at the Columbiana County Meet and 6-8 several other times, was the highest placing underclassman.
“It just wasn’t my day,” Leon said. “There’s always pressure. It might have got to me today.”
Meet notes
= East Palestine junior Geoff Salyers fouled on his three attempts in the Division III long jump.
Waynesfield-Monroe senior Gray Horn, one of the state’s top athletes, won at 21-11 3/4. He comes from a well-known track family and a little school with 675 students in the entire district. He also had the second-fastest time in the 110 hurdles (14.79).
Horn will be attending the University of Florida to compete in the decathlon and pole vault.
• There was a familiar voice welcoming fans to the opening of the state meet early Friday morning.
Crestview athletic director Andris Baltputnis is in his seventh year as the public address announcer for the state meet. Area fans get to enjoy his talents every week during the season.
• Lordstown senior Ryan Pal, a state placer last season, was 11th in the Division III high jump (6-2).
• Even with the stifling temperatures, there weren’t people lined up for refreshments at the concession stands. At $3.50 for a bottle of water, fans have learned to bring their own.
• Like every year, parking will be at a premium for Saturday’s state finals. There are three high school graduations scheduled for the adjacent Schottenstein Center and four more at nearby St. John’s Arena.
