RIPPLE/Submitted Photo
Starmount sophomore Hunter Welborn receives her gold medal after winning the women’s high jump Saturday at the 2A state championship meet.
BOONVILLE - After coming up just short of winning a state title last year as a freshman, Starmount’s Hunter Welborn leaped her way to the high jump crown Saturday at the 2A state meet at North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro.
Welborn, only a sophomore, edged senior Emily Kimble from Owen, to capture the state title with a jump of six feet.
“It has been a great experience,” she explained. “I’m really happy about it; it was really exciting. After getting second last year as a freshman, I was really excited about being able to win it this year.”
After missing her final jump, Welborn waited anxiously as Kimble jumped. The senior was unable to complete the last jump, giving Welborn the title.
“I had to go before her,” she said. “After I missed my last jump, I had to wait - it was very nerve-wracking.”
As a sophomore, Welborn will have two more years to defend her title, but says she will “keep doing what she’s been doing.”
“I’m just going to practice harder and keep doing what I’ve been doing the next two years,” she explained. “I’ll have to work even harder for my next two years.”
Cousin Samantha Welborn also earned all-state status at the state meet, earning a fifth-place finish in the shot put.
Freshman Emma Sizemore finished 10th in the pole vault in her first taste of championship action, while sophomore Haley Hartman came in 13th in the triple jump.
Forbush also produced three all-state performers.
Senior Casey Evans powered his way to top-five finishes in two events. Evans came in fourth in the 400 meter dash and fifth in the 100 meter dash.
Fellow seniors Zack Andrews added a fifth-place finish in the 800 meter run, while Jared Gallion finished fifth in the shot put.
Reach Matthew Gorry at 835-1513 or mgorry@heartlandpublications.com.
Post a Comment
