Souderton's Jenkins takes district long-jump title
When he can match what's in his head with what's in his body, Souderton long jumper Shamar Jenkins is tough to beat.
When he can match what's in his head with what's in his body, Souderton long jumper Shamar Jenkins is tough to beat.
On a drizzly Saturday afternoon at the District 1 track and field championships at Coatesville, Jenkins' upstairs matched his downstairs and helped the junior win the Class 3A championship.
"It feels really good," said Jenkins, whose best jump was 21 feet, 111/2 inches. "I think I came out and just really wanted first place today."
A serious illness in October nearly derailed everything.
A sudden bowel obstruction, Jenkins said, forced his mother to rush him to the hospital after his first indoor track practice.
Emergency surgery was required and, Jenkins said, eight feet of his intestines were removed. And some of his confidence went with them.
"I knew I was a good athlete, but I had to believe that I could do it again," said Jenkins, who also finished second in the triple jump. "I know I'm one of the top jumpers out here and I know I can do well. With me, it's just about confidence. I don't want to get [too much] in my head. I just have to let it happen."
Frustrated to first
Pennsbury senior Dasia Pressley had been growing impatient with her performances in the 100-meter dash.
On Saturday, however, the Syracuse-bound sprinter finally put it all together, claiming the crown and a new No. 1 time (11.75 seconds) in the state this year.
"I'm definitely happy because I feel like I've been struggling with my 100 all year," said Pressley, who also finished third in the 200 meters. "I was getting frustrated, but it's just nice to see that everything came together for me senior year."
The difference, Pressley said, was getting off to a better start.
"I have a good finish, but I never had a good start," she said. "That's my downfall sometimes, but now that I'm getting my start together it's a great feeling because I've been working hard on it."
She added: "I've never gotten first in the 100. I've always been second or [lower], so it's just a good feeling to finally win."
Busy winning
Cheltenham do-it-all Madison Langley-Walker's voice was low, her shoulders were slumped, and her countenance betrayed fatigue.
After claiming district championships in the triple jump, long jump, and 300-meter hurdles, Langley-Walker was spent. Oh, and the sophomore also finished third in the 100-meter hurdles.
"I have to do four events, go back and forth, and even switch shoes," she said. "I have to make sure I leave my mind-set at one event and then switch to another without bringing distractions and still focus on one race at a time. It's hard to transfer from one to another and stay ready and focused."
Her teammate, Chanel Brissett, won the 100-meter hurdles. The pair also helped Cheltenham claim the girls' 3A team championship. Downingtown West won the boys' 3A title, while in 2A action, Christopher Dock won both the boys' and girls' team championships.
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