TRACK AND FIELD: Kentlake’s Smith collects second triple jump title

June 4, 2009 4:19 pm
Kentlake's Zach Smith flies through the air during the long jump competition at last week's 4A state track and field championships.
Kentlake's Zach Smith flies through the air during the long jump competition at last week's 4A state track and field championships.

By MIKE BALDWIN

For the Reporter

Kentlake senior Zach Smith entered the meet with lofty goals. Despite capturing a gold medal in the triple jump, however, the meet proved bittersweet for Smith.

The Kentlake senior uncorked a mark of 48-1 in the triple jump taking the gold medal,the second in two years.

Saturday the University of New Mexico-bound Smith opened the day by taking eighth in the 100-meter dash, stopping the clock in 11.26 seconds.

Smith and Mount Tahoma’s Julian Bardwell were the favorites to take first in the long jump. The meet, however, proved to be full of surprises.

Instead of Smith or Bardwell dominating the field, Puyallup senior Justin Veltung came out of nowhere to snag the gold medal, popping off a jump of 24- 5.

“I’m pretty mad,” Smith said. “I wanted to defend my title. Since I won the triple jump, I wanted to come out here and get a second (title).”

Following his triple jump victory, Smith suffered an ankle injury that may have hindered his chances.

“(The ankle) just never got back to where I could plant off of it,” Smith said. “My first three jumps, I was jumping with the tape on. Then I ripped it off.”

Smith noted that his body may have been protecting itself when he came off the board in the long jump with excessive pressure off his toe. Despite taking one gold medal, the Smith walked away wanting more.

“I would say I’m more disappointed than happy right now,” he said.