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BLOOMINGTON – Performing above nearly everyone – literally and figuratively – at the boys state track and field meet Friday at Indiana University, Northrop senior pole vaulter Corey Shank went out in style.
Decked out in black and white-colored checkered socks, the future Kansas Jayhawk won his third straight state championship with a vault of 16 feet, 3 inches.
“It’s just a great feeling to be able to come out here year after year and be able to perform,” Shank said. “Not many people have the chance to do it and I’m honored.”
Shank attempted to break his own state record of 17 feet but came up short.
“It was a good day,” Shank said. “You can never be disappointed with a victory, especially on a stage like this. But I would’ve loved to jump 17-1.”
Once done with the pole vault, Shank jogged across the track to get ready to anchor the Bruins’ 400-meter relay for the second time this track postseason despite feeling like he needed treatment on an ailing hamstring. The first time was in the sectional.
There would be no storybook ending for Xavier Carr.
The Harding senior came into the meet with his sights set on the seemingly fictional 7-foot mark in the high jump. After clearing 6-8, Carr failed to clear the bar at 6-10 three straight times, eliminating him from the competition. He finished tied for fourth place. Warren Central’s, Derrick Spight found himself atop the podium for the second year in a row, clearing 7 feet.
“I didn’t know what was going on,” Carr said. “I couldn’t find a reason why I wasn’t getting up there. It’s just one of those days.”
Carr’s day didn’t go exactly as planned, but he and his teammates (Roderick Smith, Austin Coleman and Quinton Jones) were able to medal in the 400-meter relay, finishing second behind Ben Davis (41.17) with a time of 41.52. The Northrop team of Percy Ford, James Rogan, Juan Sanchez and Shank finished third in 42.01.
Other notable performances were run by Carroll’s Robert Kleber, who finished third in the 1,600-meter run (4:16.10) and Snider finished second in the 1,600-meter relay. The team of Malcolm Churchill, David Coley, Kendal Frederick and Shauntis Lewis posted a time of 3:18.24. Ben Davis won with a time of 3:17.15.
In the team standings, Northrop and Carroll led area schools with the Bruins finishing fifth with 26 points, and the Chargers placing sixth with 22. Ben Davis won the title with 57 points followed by Warren Central (33), Bloomington South (27) and Northridge (27).
“I feel like we could’ve done better,” said Northrop’s Rogan when asked about his team’s performance. “Especially in the 4 by 1 and with me in the 100 (sixth in 10.84) but I realize you’re going to have days like this.”
But there was a bright side.
“Not everyone can say they placed in state,” Carr said. “So I’m glad I can say that.”
