COLUMBUS – Congratulations to Covington sophomore Jett Murphy for placing fourth at the state track meet and setting a new school record in the pole vault by clearing 14 feet, four inches at in Columbus on Friday.
The bar was set at 11-6 to start the competition, but Jett passed on his attempts until the bar reach 13-6. He cleared 13-6 and then 14-0 before missing on his first attempt at 14-4. On his second attempt at 14-4, Murphy cleared the bar well over the 14-4 mark to break the school record of 14-0 set by former state champion Jon Sampson in 2003 – a mark Murphy tied twice previously this season.
The bar was raised to 14-8 with five vaulters left and four of the vaulters failed to clear the height, including Murphy. Due to the number of failed attempts at previous heights, Murphy was forced to settle for fourth.
Also, congratulations to the six other Covington athletes who were fortunate enough to earn the opportunity to compete at state.
Sophomore, Cade Harshbarger competed in two events, the 110 and 300 meter hurdles, while the boys 4×400 relay team of Zane Barnes, Brandon Magee, Jayce Pond and Nathan Lyle also performed. Magee finished his athletic career at Covington as a four-time state qualifier in track, a one-time state qualifier in wrestling and an All-Ohio selection in football.
The final Covington athlete to compete at state was sophomore Breanna Kimmel in the 100 meter dash. It was Kimmel’s second straight trip to state as she was a member of the Lady Buccs’ 4×200 meter relay team a year ago.
Photos provided by Ben Robinson/Color Green Photo
