track [2]

by By Andrew Pearson, APEARSON@CITIZEN-TIMES.COM
Link to Article and Photo [3]

GREENSBORO- Asheville High's Isaiah Thompson sank his spikes into the sand Saturday and waited eagerly for a measurement. Unfortunately for Thompson, he came o­ne cruel inch short of winning the long jump Saturday.

The Cougars senior's final attempt of 22 feet, 5 inches was just shy of Overhills' Emanual Davis (22-6) at the 3-A state meet at N.C. A&T.

Thompson got another silver medal in the high jump (6-6) and placed third in the triple jump (45-8 1/4).

"Everybody has their day and it wasn't mine today," Thompson said. "It's OK."

Thompson's points, coupled with a pair of strong showings by distance runner Andrew North allowed Asheville (45.5 points) to snag second-place in the team standings, trailing o­nly boys champion Mooresville (60).

Thompson, whose high jump height of 6-10 is the best in North Carolina this spring, said his focus will now shift to the Nike Outdoor Nationals meet, which takes place June 14-16, again in Greensboro.

"My goal is to be an All-American in the long jump and high jump," Thompson said. "I think it's possible."

Other Western North Carolina boys who placed second or third in their respective events included: Enka's Wesley Crouse (second place, boys 800-meter run, 2:00.30), North (second, boys 1,600-meter run, 4:27.19 and third, boys 3,200-meter run, 9:33.81) and Roberson's 3,200-meter relay team (third place, 8:07.63).

WNC girls who earned silver or bronze medals included: Enka's Jordan Gaddy (second place, girls 800-meter run, 2:18.38), Asheville's Cara Hayes (second, girls 1,600-meter run, 5:15.81), North Buncombe's Taylor Isgrig (second, girls pole vault, 11-0), Franklin's Carrie Long (third, girls pole vault, 10-0), Roberson's Caroline Kirby (third, girls 1,600-meter run, 5:17.60), Roberson's Bridgette Hills (third, girls high jump, 5-4) and Roberson's 3,200-meter relay team (second, 9:32.42).