High Jump-
2019 State Champion: Jorden Tedford (Warrensburg-Latham) 6-10
Key Returners: Trent Weldon (Sr., Lowpoint-Washburn), Daniel Mendoza (Sr., Chicago Hope Academy), Dylan Smith (Sr., Carrollton Community), Levi Cole (Sr., Erie), Gavin Davis (Sr., Vandalia), Luke Dagg (Sr., Fairfield), Ramsey Hunt (Sr., Shiloh), Clayton Jarling (Sr., Salt Fork), Drew Hurelbrink (So., Meridian), Jenson Block (Jr., Lena-Winslow), Trevor Cobo (So., Erie), Jace McWhorter (Jr., Brownstown), Kaden Barth (Sr., El Paso-Gridley), Seth Speaker (Sr., Mercer County), Jacob Green (Sr., DuQuoin), Matthew Geltmacher (Jr., Bushnell-Prairie City)
Outlook: Losing a guy like the 6'10" performer Jorden Tedford will be a big blow for the state much less this classification. The two-time state champion has packed his bags and moved on to Milikin University. The door is open for someone to step up big time. Trent Weldon might be that guy as he is the most experienced jumper with several all-state honors on his resume- 4th place performance last May and his 7th in 2018. Weldon usually emerges during the outdoor season as the only three times he broke 6-4 last year was in the elements.
It won't be a cakewalk this year for Weldon, though, as Daniel Mendoza is right on his tail. Much like Weldon, Mendoza is a late bloomer that you won't see during much of the indoor campaign, but when he gets around conference time he is a force that will be hard to beat.
Levi Cole has the top returning mark in the classification going 6-6 last year. He took second at Top Times and 9th at State. Cole is the most consistent member of the field going over 6-0 at each meet he competed at this year.
Don't forget though about Dylan Smith, he is a returning all-staters that can really be a force this year.