The two biggest roars of the day came from the crowds that surrounded the triple jump runaway at Friday's NJSIAA Group Championships at Central Regional in Bayville.
First, senior Richmond Shasha of Hamilton West sent the fans into a frenzy when he soared 48-8, the No. 1 jump in the state this season and big PR, to win the Group 3 state title.
A couple hours later, Carteret senior Stephon Kelley-Gordon took center stage when he bounded out to a 48-3 1/2 to not only win the Group 2 state title, but shatter the Group 2 record.
Kelley-Gordon's 48-3 1/2 is No. 2 in the state this season, and broke the Group 2 mark of 47-9 set in 208 by Chris Phipps of Lodi and matched by Justin Gladden of Manasquan last year.
While happy with the win and the record, Kelley-Gordon was far from satisfied.
"I look at what other guys in other states are doing, and I see guys going 50 and 51,'' said Kelley-Gordon. "That's where I want to be, and I know I have it in me. I know what I'm doing wrong and I know what I need to work on. I really feel I'm so close to getting 50. That's my goal and I hope to get it next week (at the Meet of Champions).''
