DES MOINES — Perry senior Scott James cleared 6 feet, 1 inch during the prep high jump competition at the Drake Relays Thurday.
James missed sailing over the bar at 6’3, leaving the Bluejay leaper tied for 20th place.
“Only four of the people who cleared 6’3 are in Class 3A, so their will be opportunities for him at the state meet,” Bluejay head coach Ben Coy said. “One thing that went well for Scott was that he cleared 6’1 on his first jump and so far at meets the bar has been at 5’8 or 5’10, so to step up and make 6’1 on the first try was important.”
Coy said James — who qualified with a best height of 6’4 this season — was not disappointed in his effort despite obviously wishing to go higher.
“I think he realizes there still needs to be some work done as footwork and getting his legs over,” Coy explained. “There is still plenty of time to fix those little things before the end of May.”
A pair of West Burlington Notre Dame stars claimed the top two spots, with three-time state champion Jeff Giannetto saling over 7’1 and just missing tries at the state record at 7’3. Teammate Xavior Williams was the runner-up after clearing 6’8.
