Westover’s Jaylen McLloyd wins gold in boy’s long jump

ALBANY — On a day filled with high-flying leaps and powerful throws, Westover’s Jaylen McLloyd soared to the top at the GHSA Class 3A state championship Friday at Hugh Mills Stadium. But despite claiming the state title in the boys’ long jump, McLloyd couldn’t help but feel that he had come up just a little short of his own lofty expectations.

McLloyd’s winning jump of 23 feet, 5.5 inches was enough to outdistance the field by two and a half inches, but the Westover senior had something bigger on his mind — a 25-foot leap.

“I didn’t have a great morning,” McLloyd admitted after receiving his award. “I didn’t even get a good breakfast, and I’m kind of disappointed because I wanted to hit that 25. But even though it wasn’t a great morning, I came out and did my best.”

McLloyd’s personal best stands at 24 feet, 4 inches, and while Friday’s jump didn’t match his highest mark, it was enough to secure the championship. Reflecting on his journey, McLloyd noted that he’s recently received some college offers but hasn’t yet made a decision on where he’ll continue his athletic career.

Local Athletes Shine

Friday’s competition saw several Albany-area athletes step up to the challenge, earning podium finishes or securing spots in Saturday’s finals:

• Dougherty’s Jaquavus Hallman landed a fifth-place finish in the triple jump with a leap of 47 feet, 4 inches.
• Westover’s Joseph Ingram hurled the discus 149 feet, 7 inches, earning sixth place.
• Dougherty’s Zaterious Griffin cleared 6 feet in the high jump to finish fifth.
• Dougherty’s Zaterria Kegley sprinted to third place in the 110-meter hurdles and will race in Saturday’s finals.
• Monroe’s 4×800 relay team of Madisyn Goddard, KieAundria Acree, Olivia Lewis, and Mariah McIntyre took fifth place.

The state championship meet is scheduled to continue Saturday at Hugh Mills Stadium. For complete results, click here.