CHARLESTON — One is never too young to win a state championship. Just ask University High’s Sierra Lanham.
Despite being a freshman, Lanham made a big impact at the state track meet Saturday, as she jumped 16 feet, 10 inches in the Class AAA girls’ long jump to earn her first state championship.
“It felt pretty good, I’m not going to lie. Now I have three more years to get up there again,” she said.
The competition was a tight battle through the end. Lanham entered her final attempt sitting in second place, but was able to secure the win by two inches with her jump.
“She had to win it on the final jump of the entire event. As a football and basketball coach as well, it was more fulfilling than a game-winning 3-pointer or touchdown pass. I couldn’t be more proud,” coach Jason White said.
Lanham credits the strong finish to the atmosphere at the meet, which energized her as she prepared for her final jump.
“In the beginning, I was all the way up in the lead, but when the leader jumped a 16-08, I didn’t think I was going to make it back up there. But I had all that adrenaline rushing through my body and I pulled it out,” she said.
With three more years in front of her on the track, the sky appears to be the limit for Lanham. White believes that there are plenty more milestones to come.
“She works hard every day and it has paid off. Hopefully we’ll be gunning for a state record by the time she is a senior.”
