By: PUL SCHWARTS – RECORD SPORTS
COLUMBUS – Jenna Rogers earned the first of what may be many state group high jump championships Friday at Northern Burlington Regional High School when she cleared 5-6 on her first attempt. It’s doubtful, however if any future competition will be as stressful for the Rutherford freshman as this one was.
After an easy clearance at her opening height of five feet, Rogers, who has jumped at least 5-6 in every meet this spring, had a miss at 5-2. It appeared to be just a blip on the radar, but then she missed again.
“I get more aggressive when I miss,’’ said Rogers, who attacked the bar and easily cleared 5-2, joining three other girls at the height.
Then she missed twice more at 5-4, and stood fourth behind Kaela Monte of Ramsey and Miku Okada of River Dell among others. Even a third attempt clearance left her in third, with Monte leading after making 5-4 on her first attempt.
“I said to myself ‘I need to clear 5-6’,’’ said Rogers, who promptly made the height with easily her best jump of the day to take the lead. Monte and Kenady Wilson of Willingboro couldn’t match the clearance and Rogers had her well-earned Group 2 state title.
“It was one of those days,’’ said Rogers, soon after the competition was over. “My heart is still pounding and I was so nervous all day. It’s good to get through this.’’
Monte finished second and Okada fourth as North Jersey jumpers dominated the event.
“It made me feel more comfortable seeing all the girls I jump against all the time doing well too,’’ said Monte, who had two great attempts at a personal best 5-6. “I wanted 5-6 do badly but I have another chance next week (at the State Meet of Champions).
Cresskill’s Iveya Slavova, also a top seed, was North Jersey’s other winner with a 5-2 mark in the high jump.
The pressure of entering as a favorite intimidated Slavova coming into Friday, but the senior brushed it off to win by two inches.
“I was [confident], but [being the top seed] kind of scared me a little bit,” Slavova said. “Then I just got over it and went out there and jumped.”
Even with a Group 1 championship, Slavova still did not reach her personal record of 5-4 or her goal of breaking the school record of 5-5 3/4. She took several stabs at the record mark, but was unable to clear the bar.
However, Slavova felt encouraged on Friday compared to recent meets, and she hopes to clear 5-5 3/4 before the season is through.
“I definitely did [feel good], my jumps just felt better,” Slavova said.
Hasbrouck Heights and Monika Lucic came the closest to winning events of Group 1 schools. Lucic took second with a 1:05.47 in the 400 hurdles, while the Aviators 4×800 team were also runner-ups with a 9:54.75.
