Harrison’s Sam Hopkins makes history, claims state championship in long jump

 By BEN MURPHY

Cleaver Sports Writer

Saturday’s Division 3 track and field state championship meet down at Kent City was a historic one for Harrison. That history making moment was senior Sam Hopkins winning the state championship in the long jump, thanks to her distance of 17’4.75”.  She is the first individual girls’ champion in program history.

“Her championship was the culmination of an incredible career that saw her qualify for the state meet in multiple events in all four years of high school, as well as setting records in the long jump, 100-meter 200 meter and the 4x100 relay,” her head coach Brandi Hajek said. “Her consistency, dedication and perseverance made her a champion and an outstanding role model for the program.”

Hopkins also took part in the 100-meter dash, where she ran to a 17^th place finish on a clocked time of 12.70.

Alivia Winters saw action at the finals in the discus, and she delivered an all-state performance as well, taking third with an incredible distance of 120’4”.

“Alivia has qualified in all three years, competing against the state's best,” Hajek said. “The Lady Hornets represented their school with pride at the Division 3 state championship.”

The boys also took part in two events at the state finals.

Jayden Bobzien was 15^th in the 400-meter run with a time of 51.35. They also had a 4x800 relay at the event, and they took 28^th on a time of 8:43, thanks to runs by Bobzien, Ray Cosgrove, Collin Dennis and Logan Young.

© Clare County Cleaver