By Chris Parker
The Class 3 state high jump competition was fierce but friendly on Friday with Strafford’s Brady Ripp and Eldon’s Will Richardson battling atop the standings for a second consecutive season.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE MEET
“Last year I was state runner-up to my guy Will back there,” Ripp said. “He is a great friend of mine and great to compete against. That was probably the best meet I have had all year competition-wise. Sharing it with those guys was something extraordinary.”
On Friday, it was Ripp who earned a spot atop the podium with a six-foot-seven-inch jump to win the competition by two inches.
“We were just going back and forth. It was starting to line up like it did last year,” Ripp said. “We got to six-foot-five-and-a-half and I got it second try and he got it last. He was like, this is lining up to be like last year. I was thinking that it is just awesome to be here and be with him. It was something special.”
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF THE MEET
Clever’s Xavier Robinson also earned all-state honors with a third place finish.
