Six Things to Look for at State Relays This Weekend!


Dave Alston clearing 6-8 at the Monmouth County Relays this season. / Photo by Mae Kellert for MileSplit

Here are six storylines or exciting notes about the state relays this weekend. If you would like to state your own start up a forum on our discussion board and or send it over on social media!

Will we see a high jumper clear 6-10?

Boys High Jump Rankings

Our top six indoor high jumpers from last indoor graduated and only two of them cleared the height. The best jump last year at the relays was 6-8 by Larry Russell of Timber Creek 

This year we have a few potential candidates for the jump, two of whom just recently cleared the state leading T-US#4 height 6-8.

Dave Alston, a junior from Matawan, cleared 6-8 at the Monmouth County Relays back on January 3rd. This is big noting the incredible height difference from his previous PRs, last indoor his best was 6-0 while his outdoor height moved up to 6-4. This season he went 6-5 on December 28th and then six days later got over the 6-8 bar before just missing on his last two 6-10 attempts.

Semaj Willis of Trenton Central flew over the 6-8 bar this past weekend at the Lavino Relays. He ended his day there without going after another height. A solid PR for the junior who previously had a best height of 6-6 both indoors and outdoors. 

There is a three way tie for NJ#3 at 6-6 behind those two who could have a break out day. Matt Linder of Marlboro, Rashawn Powell-Jenkins of Neptune, and Perry Christie of Union Catholic. The height of 6-6 is a best for all three of them. 

Check out Semaj Willis clearing 6-8 last weekend. Video by Dan Kimple

ll