Post-competition interview with Howell HS senior Samantha Strydesky.
On a chilly Friday at Franklin Field Howell HS senior Samantha Strydesky took on an elite high jump field and emerged the Penn Relays Presented by Toyota event Champion with a height of 5-7.
Strydesky is New Jersey's first girls high jump winner since 1991 and the fourth all-time.
Sandi Everett of Hillsborough HS was the 1991 champion clearing 5-8. Tanya Smolin of Randolph won three in a row 1983-1985, and Tish Edwards of Mater Dei Prep brought home the title in 1982.
This 5-07 clearance moves the Howell senior up to NJ No. 2 this season. Strydesky announced her commitment to the University of Pennsylvania to continue her studies and athletic career last fall.
Most of the field exited competition at the 5-7 bar but Strydesky cleared on her first attempt along with Jamaica's Aaliyah Willary of Rhodes Hall.
With their series of makes and misses a full match this led to a jump off between the two, after four misses each Strydeski once again cleared the 5-7 bar to secure the victory, the championship, and a coveted gold watch.
Clayton's Alanna Woolfolk, the current state leader, finished fifth overall and as the second American athlete with a height of 5-5. She's has clear 5-08 twice previously this season.
NJ No. 3 ranked Norina Khanzada of Tenafly cleared 5-5 for 10th overall
