By Chris Parker
Webb City senior Chase Stilley had a simple goal coming into the Class 5 state high jump competition.
“My goal was top eight because I was eighth place last year and I was hoping for one better than that,” Stilley said.
Stilley did more than one better.
Much better.
Still jumped a personal best and school record 5’7.75 to win the Class 5 state high jump title.
“It was a very unexpected feeling but also very exciting. I had my team over there watching me. It was a great moment. I was in shock,” Stilley said. “I was not expecting today’s outcome. I am so glad it turned out this way. It is a great way to end my senior year.”
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Stilley was consistent throughout making nine of her first 10 attempts. Her clean jumps early allowed her to win the state title outright after tying with Ladue Horton Watkins senior Zoey Brinkler who also cleared 5’7.75. Brinkler had three misses through the first 10 heights to Stilley’s one.
“I told myself that these are heights that I have cleared before and that kind of eases my mind,” Stilley said. “I have a very big support system and that is also another reason I think I performed well today.”
Stilley credited her coach with helping her make the jump from eighth to state champ in one year.
“I have had an amazing coach, Coach (Tanner) McNutt. He was a decathlete at Pitt State. He really knows what he is doing, and he pours into all of his athletes,” Stilley said. “He has major confidence in me and that has helped my confidence build from last year.”
