Clovis soph repeats as 5A triple jump champ

ALBUQUERQUE — Clovis High sophomore Manuel Robles made it two in a row on Friday in Class 5A boys high jump, winning the event with a leap of 46 feet, 7 inches on Friday at the University of New Mexico’s track facility.

Robles added a fourth-place finish in long jump at 6-2, giving the Wildcats 10 points and fourth place in team standings after the first day.

Robles said having been through the state meet last year was a big help.

“Since I’ve already been up here, I was a lot less nervous,” he said. “I relaxed a little more and got a better jump than I did last year.”

Clovis Coach Darren Kelley said the sky may be the limit for Robles.

“He’s done a great job,” Kelley said. “He’s worked so hard. That’s a foot further than he jumped last year.

“If he can keep going, he might be a 50-foot triple jumper, one of the best in the nation. He’s worked hard and he’s deserved it.”

The Cats qualified their 400, 800 and medley relays for today’s finals, while sophomore Diondre Hunter made it in the 300 hurdles.

“I was real nervous,” Hunter said. “I try to calm down (by thinking) about being on the beach or something.

“Once I hear the gun, I’m not nervous anymore. I just try to run and not hit every hurdle, or not fall at least.”

Senior Tanner Fickling said the Cats can do some damage in the relays.

“They’re looking good,” he said. “I think we can be in the top five in everything. I’m hoping maybe we’ll get to bed early tonight, get up tomorrow, work on it a little bit and see how we’ll do.”