COLUMBUS — Preble Shawnee senior Elise Walker concluded her high school career with a 14th place finish in the Division III state high jump on Friday, June 2, at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.
Walker, a three-time state qualifier, was hoping to reach the podium in her final trip to state, but came up a bit short in clearing 5 feet, 2 inches. She needed what would have been a career-best leap of 5-5 to place among the top eight and reach her goal of medaling.
“Today, our goal was to make the podium,” Shawnee coach Stefanie Hurley said. “We fell a little short of that, but she jumped well.”
Walker bowed out of the meet with three misses at 5-4, which is her career-best. A feat she accomplished as a freshman and again at the regional last week to gain a spot among the 16 best Division III high jumpers in the state.
Hurley said Walker got off to slow start this season, but steadily improved.
“She had a rough to beginning of the season. Last week, she jumped probably the best she’s jumped all year. So we had high hopes coming into today,” Hurley said. “We knew it would take five, four to even get close to the podium.”
Walker, who placed sixth as a freshman in Division II, will continue her high jump career at Miami University next fall.
“She’s had a great career,” Hurley said. “You can’t say your high school career was bad if you qualify for state three times in high jump. She’s a great runner, too.”
