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Smith leaps at state meet

Monday, 09 June 2008

By STEPHEN FORSHA
The Times-Gazette

COLUMBUS - The successful senior season and track career of Hillsboro long jumper Leon Smith came to an end of Friday, as he competed at the OHSAA State Track & Field Championships at Jesse Owens Stadium, located on the campus of Ohio State.

Smith took three jumps at the Division II meet, fouling on his first and his final jumps, but earning a distance of 20-3.50 on his second jump, to finish seventh in flight one and 13th overall out of a 16-man field.

"He fouled on two of his three jumps and that hurt him," Hillsboro boys track coach David Smith said. "I really wish he had one more opportunity to jump."

Smith leaped a distance of 21-2.75 at the regional meet last weekend to reach state, but Leon said he didn't feel as nervous as he thought he would be when making his first jump on Friday.

"I wasn't as nervous as I thought I was going to be, but it was a good experience to be apart of regardless of the outcome," Leon said. "I was just trying to concentrate, trying to get on the board and get a good enough jump."

With this being the final contest for the recent graduate, his coach spoke in high regard of Leon, talking about the character of the senior leader.

"Just as I said before, he has been a great guy to have on the team and he worked hard to reach this point," David said. "I am happy that he reached the state meet."

Though he was disappointed with the outcome of the event, Leon wanted to say thanks to those who supported his time at the state meet.

"I just want to say thanks to everyone who came here and supported me today," Leon said. "I also want to thank my mom and dad for their support."

The winner of the state long jump event was junior Korbin Smith from Delta, with a jump of 22-02.75.

Other results of the long jump finals were 2, Randy Greenwood, Mentor Lake Catholic, 22-01.25; 3, Stacy Jones, Lewistown In, 21-09.50; 4, Marquis Brookins, Cin. Finneytown, 21-07; 5, Ryan Fleck, Napoleon, 21-06.50; 6, Mike Smith, Wintersville, 21-05.75; 7, Adam Lewis, Middletown Madison, 21-03.75; 8, Wali Morris, Cin. Indian Hill, 21-02.75; 9, Lionel Jordan, Paine Harvey, 20-10; 10, Thomas Norris, Cambridge, 20-09.75; 11, Josh Hoodlebrink, Pemberville, 20-09.00; 12, Matt Neil, Millersburg, 20-06.25; 13, Leon Smith, Hillsboro, 20-03.50; 14, Bracin Walker, Wickliffe, 20-02.50; 15, Syndell Gant, Orrville, 19-00; 16, Justin Kollie, Cle. Benedictine, FOUL.