Junior Heidi Johnson competes in the triple jump at the section’s Masters competition on May 24.
After an impressive performance at the combined Div. IV/V Sac-Joaquin Section, junior Heidi Johnson looks to repeat her success at the section’s Masters two-day competition starting May 24.
If she qualifies, Johnson will be the first SCDS field athlete, male or female, to make it to the state championships, let alone in two events.
Johnson placed first in the triple jump (36 feet, 1.5 inches) and second in the long jump (17 feet, 1 inch) at sections, taking SCDS’s team of one to fifth place.
Although Johnson had won the section title in triple jump her freshman year, she knew the competition wouldn’t be a walk in the park.
“Freshman year I got first in triple jump, but sophomore year I got third,” Johnson said.
“And the girl who won (in her sophomore year) beat my freshman distance by a lot, so people get better and the competition varies from year to year.”
If Johnson can land a podium placing at Masters, she will secure a spot at the CIF State Championships, on Friday, June 1, and Saturday, June 2, for the first time.
“I’ve never made it to States before, so my goal for Masters is to qualify for States,” Johnson said.
Even if she doesn’t place in the top three jumpers, Johnson can qualify if she meets the at-large qualifying mark, a distance set by the CIF committee.
—By Jake Longoria
